A configurable computer simulation model for reducing patient waiting time in oncology departments

TL;DR

This paper introduces a configurable agent-based simulation model to analyze and reduce patient waiting times in oncology departments, considering interactions with external pharmacies and courier services, to improve healthcare efficiency.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel adaptable simulation model specifically designed for oncology departments, incorporating pharmacy interactions and courier logistics to optimize patient flow.

Findings

The model identified configurations that significantly reduce patient waiting times.

Simulation results suggest optimal pharmacy and courier arrangements for improved efficiency.

The approach provides a flexible tool for healthcare managers to evaluate operational changes.

Abstract

Nowadays, the increase in patient demand and the decline in resources are lengthening patient waiting times in many chemotherapy oncology departments. Therefore, enhancing healthcare services is necessary to reduce patient complaints. Reducing the patient waiting times in the oncology departments represents one of the main goals of healthcare manager. Simulation models are considered an effective tool for identifying potential ways to improve patient flow in oncology departments. This paper presents a new agent-based simulation model designed to be configurable and adaptable to the needs of oncology departments which have to interact with an external pharmacy. When external pharmacies are utilized, a courier service is needed to deliver the individual therapies from the pharmacy to the oncology department. An oncology department located in southern Italy was studied through the simulation model and different scenarios were compared with the aim of selecting the department configuration capable of reducing the patient waiting times.