Simulation optimization for an emergency department healthcare unit

This project integrates simulation with optimization to design a decision support tool for the functioning of Pediatric Emergency Department in AIIMS Delhi. Our model and analysis is based primarily on the observation and information gathered from our visits to the hospital. The hospital provides a set of services for different categories of patients. We present a methodology that uses system simulation combined with optimization to determine the optimal number of doctors, lab technicians and nurses required to maximize patient throughput and to reduce patient time in the system subject to budget restrictions. The major objective of this decision-supporting tool is to evaluate the impact of various staffing levels on service efficiency. We will be using Arena from Rockwell Automation, to implement the model and use simulation for analysis. Results from simulations will then be used for optimizing the allocation of resources. All this analysis allows us to take a jab at the following questions of interest: 1. What is the optimal staff allocation, the constraints being budget and maximum waiting time for critical patients? 2. Given the current allocation, what is the optimal throughput, and how can it be achieved? 3. What are the bottlenecks in the process, and to what degree of impact do these have on the system? Busy healthcare systems like AIIMS, constantly provide new challenges to their managers and decision-makers due to high demands for service, high costs, limited budget, and healthcare resources. Answers to above questions can drastically improve the throughput of patients, without increasing the overall expenditure.