Reduce fluctuations in capacity to improve the accessibility of radiotherapy treatment cost-effectively

This paper is motivated by a case study to reduce the throughput times for radiotherapy treatment. The goal is to find a cost-effective way to meet future throughput targets. A combination of queuing theory and computer simulation was used. First, computer simulation to detect the bottleneck(s) in a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Flexible services and manufacturing journal 2012-12, Vol.24 (4), p.448-464
Main Authors: Joustra, P. E., Kolfin, R., van Dijk, N. M., Koning, C. C. E., Bakker, P. J. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access time
Case studies
Computer simulation
Cost engineering
Engineering
Fluctuation
Hospital costs
Hospitals
Investment
Machines
Manufacturing
Operations Management
Operations Research/Decision Theory
Patients
Processes
Queueing theory
Queuing theory
Radiation therapy
Radiotherapy
Simulation
Studies
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Summary:This paper is motivated by a case study to reduce the throughput times for radiotherapy treatment. The goal is to find a cost-effective way to meet future throughput targets. A combination of queuing theory and computer simulation was used. First, computer simulation to detect the bottleneck(s) in a multi-step radiotherapy process. Despite, the investment in an additional linear accelerator, the main bottleneck turned out to be the outpatient department (OPD). Next, based on queuing theory, waiting times were improved by reducing the fluctuations in the OPD capacity. Computer simulation was used again to quantify the effect on the total throughput time of a radiotherapy patient. The results showed a reduction in both access times as well as waiting times prior to the consecutive steps: the preparation phase and actual treatment. The paper concludes with practical suggestions on how to reduce the fluctuations in capacity, and seems of interest for other radiotherapy departments or other multi-step situations in a hospital.
ISSN:1936-6582
1936-6590
DOI:10.1007/s10696-011-9119-y