Utilizing six sigma to improve the processing time: a simulation study at an emergency department. (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandahawi, Nabeel; Shurrab, Mohammed; Al-Shihabi, Sameh; Abdallah, Abdallah A.; Alfarah, Yousuf M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of industrial and production engineering. Volume 34:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 495
• Page End: 503
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Discrete-event simulation -- emergency department -- process redesign -- triage -- sigma level -- length of stay -- waiting time -- health care; Industrial engineering -- Periodicals; Production engineering -- Periodicals; 620
• DOI: 10.1080/21681015.2017.1367728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-1015

Abstract

Abstract: Waiting time (WT) at the emergency department (ED) is a global concern, emerging evidence indicates that a wait for care delivery may result in adverse patient outcomes. Discrete-event simulation model has been developed to redesign the existing ED based upon several inputs (i.e. historical data, staff survey, and interviews). Furthermore, a newly developed simulation model was proposed, verified, and validated using triaged management system based upon Manchester triage system. The simulation study was performed as a part of design for six sigma project to create the proposed triage process. The proposed model resulted in reducing WT by 61% and length of stay (LOS) by 34%. In return, the sigma level was improved from 0.66 to 5.18 and from 0.58 to 3.09 for WT and LOS, respectively.