A simulation study to achieve healthcare service quality improvement in accident & emergency department (AED)

It is understood that potential outbreaks of infectious diseases may cause significant impacts on hospital service quality. System simulation study provides essential grounds to quantitatively evaluate the robustness of current medical systems in preparing next outbreak. The project attempts to improve the accident and emergency department (AED) service quality by enhancing its operation efficiency. To achieve the target, a simulation study which focuses on investigating causes of failure in meeting waiting time service pledge, in particular for Category III and IV cases, is being carried out. This paper provides details of the planning and design of data collection system for AED simulation. The simulation model is able to facilitate AED workflow decision making and examine possible process improvement initiatives. The development of a valid model is able to facilitate clinical workflow decision-making, facility and resource allocation, capacity planning, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and process reengineering. © 2011 IEEE.