SIMULATION-BASED OPTIMISATION FOR REDUCING WAITING TIMES IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

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Zengin S., ANTMEN Z. F., KOYUNCU M.

International Journal of Simulation Modelling, cilt.24, sa.2, ss.249-260, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 24 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.2507/ijsimm24-2-722
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Simulation Modelling
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.249-260
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Constraint Theory, Discrete Event Simulation (DES), Emergency Department, Length of Stay, Optimisation
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The increasing number of admissions to emergency department (ED) has become a significant issue in both Turkey and globally. The reasons for the high preference for emergency departments include the fact that they are free of charge, they provide 24-hour service, they have easier access to doctors compared to outpatient clinics, and non-emergency patients can also apply. Additionally, the complex interactions between fluctuating workloads, unpredictable arrival rates, and limited resources make it difficult to optimise the flow in EDs. This complexity leads to overcrowded emergency services, long length of stay (LOS), and burnout among healthcare professionals. In this study, a simulation model was developed to optimise the unbalanced demand of the ED with unpredictable patient flows and resource constraints. Different scenarios were designed using Arena simulation software, and optimisation was performed on the Arena/OptQuest platform. As a result, performance improvement was achieved by reducing patient wait times and enhancing service delivery.