Integral Capacity Management

Capacity management is an important factor in healthcare logistics. The number of patients in a clinic or hospital can vary considerably due to seasonal fluctuations. During an influenza epidemic, for example, large numbers of beds are needed for the elderly, while most people would rather not have a hip or knee replacement operation during the summer. However, the care institution itself also unintentionally causes variations in access time, waiting lists and workload. Coordination of shared resources, such as the polyclinic, radiology, treatment facilities, and the clinic, and the interdependence of those resources in a patient’s healthcare process, is complex and is often insufficiently monitored. How can the care provider honour treatment agreements and provide what the patient needs? Analysis and prediction models make the variation in all stages of the care program more predictable so that the required healthcare and the deployment of care professionals can be better coordinated. By measuring and analysing logistical performances, we can improve accessibility, work enjoyment and productivity.