A Comparative Analysis of Extended Resource Utilization and Resource Allocation on Patient Waiting Time: A Simulation-Based Approach

Abstract

Globally, patient waiting time is an ongoing healthcare issue, with patients waiting longer hours to receive medical attention at healthcare facilities. Applying Queuing Theory and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), this study examines the varying extent of implementing flexibility configuration strategies, namely Extended Resource Utilization and Resource Allocation, both in isolation and in combination, on Patient Waiting Time. A time motion data collection method was used to collect process data, and a discrete event simulation (DES) approach was used for modeling the patient flow. The findings reveal that combining extended resource utilisation and resource utilisation has the most substantial improvement (22.09 percent) on patient waiting time, followed by extended resource utilisation at 15.42 percent and resource allocation at 6.67 percent. However, to leverage flexibility aimed at reducing patient waiting time, in the interim, the study recommends extended resource utilisation since resource allocation has a cost implication. The study advances the understanding of improving patient waiting time by linking QT and DCT and offers insights into how resources, particularly the healthcare providers, can be configured to respond to the challenge of prolonged PWT along the patient treatment process. Keywords: Waiting time, flexibility, resource allocation, resource utilisation, simulation