Optimising acute stroke pathways through flexible use of bed capacity: a computer modelling study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optimising capacity along clinical pathways is essential to avoid severe hospital pressure and help ensure best patient outcomes and financial sustainability. Yet, typical approaches, using only average arrival rate and average lengths of stay, are known to underestimate the number of beds required. This study investigates the extent to which averages-based estimates can be complemented by a robust assessment of additional 'flex capacity' requirements, to be used at times of peak demand.

Methods

The setting was a major one million resident healthcare system in England, moving towards a centralised stroke pathway. A computer simulation was developed for modelling patient flow along the proposed stroke pathway, accounting for variability in patient arrivals, lengths

SUBMITTER: Wood RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9392305 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature