100964 - health services innovation.pdf (437.73 kB)
Download fileHealth services innovation: evaluating process changes to improve patient flow
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 10:37 authored by Fitzgerald, JA, Kathy Eljiz, Dadich, A, Sloan, T, Kobilski, sIn common with many countries, emergency departments (EDs) in Australia are under stress. To reduce 'access block' (where service demands exceed the ED's capacity) work processes in the ED of a public hospital were analysed using animated simulation. This article describes organisational culture changes supported by the use of simulation as an impartial form of analysis and communication. Data collected included time stamps and booking schedules in the imaging department (ID), semi-structured interviews and patient flow observations from the ED to the ID. Implementation of ID staff-suggested improvements resulted in a 25% increase in the capacity of the ultrasound department and a doubling of its ED cases. Improved communication between the ED and the ID, as a direct result of this project, has led to ongoing interdepartmental cooperation. One implication is that changes to health organisational culture can be assisted by computer simulations providing rapid and accurate predictions of change outcomes.
History
Publication title
International Journal Healthcare Technology and ManagementVolume
12Issue
3/4Pagination
280 - 292ISSN
1758-7247Department/School
College Office - College of Business and EconomicsPublisher
Emerald Group Publishing LimitedPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2011 InderscienceRepository Status
- Open