Using Queuing Theory to Reduce Wait, Stay in Emergency Department

Authors

Naser M. Chowdhury PE, LSSBB, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Lawrence Riddles MD, MBA, FACS, FACPE, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Richard S. MacKenzie MD, MBOE, LSBB, FACEP, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

9-14-2018

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Thanks to the application of a well-defined Lean Six Sigma methodology to ensure sustainable process improvement, a queuing model at Lehigh Valley Health Network aligned emergency department staffing with patient-arrival demand — without increasing overall resource hours. It trimmed length of stay by as much as 20 percent and reduced walkouts by 58 percent, and the success is being replicated broadly across the network’s emergency departments.

Published In/Presented At

Chowdhury, N. M., Riddles, L. MacKenzie, R. S. (2018, September). Using Queuing Theory to Reduce Wait, Stay in Emergency Department. American Association for Physician Leadership.

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Emergency Medicine | Health and Medical Administration

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article