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An Integrated Model of Patient and Staff Satisfaction Using Queuing Theory.


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Authors

Komashie, Alexander  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0715-4729
Mousavi, Ali 
Clarkson, P John 
Young, Terry 

Abstract

This paper investigates the connection between patient satisfaction, waiting time, staff satisfaction, and service time. It uses a variety of models to enable improvement against experiential and operational health service goals. Patient satisfaction levels are estimated using a model based on waiting (waiting times). Staff satisfaction levels are estimated using a model based on the time spent with patients (service time). An integrated model of patient and staff satisfaction, the effective satisfaction level model, is then proposed (using queuing theory). This links patient satisfaction, waiting time, staff satisfaction, and service time, connecting two important concepts, namely, experience and efficiency in care delivery and leading to a more holistic approach in designing and managing health services. The proposed model will enable healthcare systems analysts to objectively and directly relate elements of service quality to capacity planning. Moreover, as an instrument used jointly by healthcare commissioners and providers, it affords the prospect of better resource allocation.

Description

Keywords

Patient satisfaction, queuing theory, service time, staff satisfaction, waiting time

Journal Title

IEEE J Transl Eng Health Med

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2168-2372
2168-2372

Volume Title

3

Publisher

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Sponsorship
The authors acknowledge the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust for supporting this research. We also give special thanks to the following persons for their various contributions to this work: Justin Gore for being a cosupervisor of the project; Professors Lorraine De Sousa of Brunel University and Janet Smart of Oxford University for their many constructive critiques of the initial work. Finally, the research was in part supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East of England (CLAHRC EoE) at Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.