Simulation Model to Assess the Impact of a Centralized Scheduling Policy for Imaging Procedures in Ontario

Due to constrained capacity, wait times for imaging procedures in Ontario hospitals are frequently higher than the provincial target. A new approach that centrally schedules outpatients and assigns them between different locations is expected to be more efficient. Discrete event computer simulation was used to evaluate the impact of this approach by comparing individual hospital models versus a centralized model with imaging demand data from two Ontario hospitals. Results show that the proposed policy can lead to shorter wait times in the system. We also analyzed the different variables that drive better system performance. Final recommendations are given on the real-life application of this policy.M.A.S