Objectives-The objectives of this project; (1) to evaluate the method, (2)
to assess the information required for a more detailed model, and (3) to de
termine if it was worthwhile to undertake the data collection needed for a
more detailed model.
Methods-A mathematical model was constructed using the operational research
method of discreet event simulation. The effect of different SHO shift pat
terns on waiting time was assessed with the model.
Results-The model constructed was not an accurate representation of patient
flow because of the large number of assumptions that had to be made in thi
s preliminary model. However, the model predicted that an SHO shift pattern
that more closely matched the patient arrival pattern would produce shorte
r waiting times.
Conclusions-This method can be applied to an accident and emergency departm
ent. Extension of this approach with the collection of additional data and
the development of more sophisticated models seems worthwhile.