Application of computer simulation analysis to assess the effects of relocating a hospital phlebotomy department

• Published in: Annals of clinical biochemistry Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 261 - 272
• Main Authors: GROOTHUIS, Siebren, GOLDSCHMIDT, Henk M. J, DRUPSTEEN, Esther J, DE VRIES, Jules C. M, HASMAN, Arie, VAN MERODE, Godefridus G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.05.2002; Royal Society of Medicine Press; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Appointments and Schedules; Biological and medical sciences; Computer Simulation; Efficiency, Organizational - statistics & numerical data; Hospital Departments - organization & administration; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Technology; Nurses - utilization; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Phlebotomy - nursing; Reproducibility of Results; Software Design; Time Factors; Walking; Workplace - statistics & numerical data; Human; Computer simulation; Phlebotomy; Samplings; Hospital ward; Hospital; Technique; Localization
• ISSN: 0004-5632; 1758-1001
• DOI: 10.1258/0004563021901964

Background This study describes a systematic approach to assess the effects of relocating a hospital department. Methods Using the phlebotomy service as an example, computer simulation was applied to predict changes in performance indicators, such as patient turn-around time (TAT), when planning a procedural and/or architectural redesign. Results Average patient TAT fell from 12 to 8 min, enabling the department to cope with any increase in numbers of patients. Conclusion This type of study can provide useful information in assessing the consequences of future changes in the location of a hospital department.