This FlexSim simulation shows the effect that different levels of unplanned readmissions have on the elective patients and any subsequent queues.

– We are not modelling the actual interventions
– – – we assume interventions result in a change in number of unplanned readmissions.

– We’re modelling the throughput/queueing of Electives
– – – influenced by the change in unplanned readmissions
Assumptions:

• Very simple model
• 50 beds
• Non-electives – 227/month (5 days)Electives – 120/month (2.5 days)
• Unplanned readmissions – various (5 days)
• Electives get the lower priority over the others

We only looked at throughput and queues, so we didn’t look at:

• Time of day/week of arrivals
• Variability of arrivals or stay
• Layout of ward and its location within the hospital
• Staffing levels or scheduling
• Electives getting giving up and going elsewhere
• Acuity of Electives changing & becoming Non-Electives
• Fixed/variable costs and other resource constraints
• Or the actual interventions
• We’re modelling the effect here, not the action
• . . . . . but we can.