Analysis of quota assignment and time block duration in multi-block appointment systems
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Related Research Unit(s)
Detail(s)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 85-99 |
| Journal / Publication | IMA Journal of Management Mathematics |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Online published | 1 Mar 2000 |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2000 |
Link(s)
Abstract
The objective of this study is to propose performance evaluators and optimizers for the quota appointment system in many hospitals and clinics used to smooth the patient flow. This type of queueing system with finite population and controlled arrivals is studied on a single server with exponential service time. Given a target waiting time set by the hospital, the quota assignment giving the minimum chance of underachievement in each time block is derived using a dynamic programming approach. This enables exact calculations of performance measures of expected waiting time, server overtime and congestion measured in headcount. The optimal time block duration, in addition to the quota assignment, is examined using an extended dynamic programming formulation. Special cases of absentees, late arrivals and re-entry patients are then incorporated into the basic model. Performance measures are evaluated through two approaches, according to the priorities of treatment for the special cases. © 2000 Oxford University Press 2000.
Research Area(s)
- Appointment systems, Dynamic programming, Operations planning, Stochastic queueing systems
Citation Format(s)
Analysis of quota assignment and time block duration in multi-block appointment systems. / Lin, C. K. Y.
In: IMA Journal of Management Mathematics, Vol. 11, No. 2, 03.2000, p. 85-99.Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
