An agent-based model of patient flow to improve operating room efficiency

High efficiency in the operating room may significantly improve the overall performance of the hospital and the service quality provided to patients. The operating room is the de facto financial hub of the hospital and maximizing its efficiency may lead to considerable improvements. To this end, we seek ways of accelerating the patient flow in order to save time and cost in healthcare facilities.

In this study, we use agent-based simulation to simulate patient care in the operating room. After performing the required validations, a number of improvement scenarios were developed and evaluated.

A hybrid scenario including modifications to the referral time of the patient by the surgeon, transfer time of the surgical set and supplies to the operating room, and the timing of anesthesia proved to have the most positive impact on the criteria i.e. activities, reducing the average Length of Stay (LOS) by 9.69 minutes. The second-most effective scenario involved modifying the referral time of the patient by the surgeon, reduced the LOS by 7.31 minutes.

Originality/Value:

 Through this research, it became apparent that minimizing the patients' LOS improves the efficiency of the operating room as it helps reduce the overall idle time and increases the number of operations carried out in each shift. Making time even for one additional operation per day significantly increases the operating room income. Moreover, a shorter LOS means less fatigue for the medical staff and reduces the total cost of running the operating room by reducing the staff's overtime hours.