Reducing PatientWaiting Time in Ultrasonography Using Simulation and IoT Application

Abstract

In this study, the ultrasound (US) department of a private hospital located in the most densely populated region of Istanbul is discussed. Patients can come to the US Department randomly from outpatient clinic, emergency, or inpatient departments. The time between patients' arrival at the US department varies according to hours. The types and durations of US procedures also differ in patients who come to the US department from different units. The aim of the study is to minimize the waiting time in the US department and the total time spent in the US according to the units they come from and the type of procedure to be performed. By analyzing the current situation, the performance indicators of the US department of the hospital, the average waiting time of the patients, the utilization rates of the doctors and the time spent by the patient in the US were examined. The system was modeled using the simulation method and the current state performance criteria were calculated. With the changes to be made in IoT applications and alternative system design, it is aimed to minimize the waiting time and the time spent by the patients in the system.