![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
Using Operational Analysis to Improve Access to Pulmonary Function Testing
Joint Authors
Ip, Ada
Asamoah-Barnieh, Raymond
Bischak, Diane P.
Davidson, Warren J.
Flemons, W. Ward
Pendharkar, Sachin R.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2016-04-07
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Timely pulmonary function testing is crucial to improving diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases.
Perceptions of poor access at an academic pulmonary function laboratory prompted analysis of system demand and capacity to identify factors contributing to poor access.
Methods.
Surveys and interviews identified stakeholder perspectives on operational processes and access challenges.
Retrospective data on testing demand and resource capacity was analyzed to understand utilization of testing resources.
Results.
Qualitative analysis demonstrated that stakeholder groups had discrepant views on access and capacity in the laboratory.
Mean daily resource utilization was 0.64 (SD 0.15), with monthly average utilization consistently less than 0.75.
Reserved testing slots for subspecialty clinics were poorly utilized, leaving many testing slots unfilled.
When subspecialty demand exceeded number of reserved slots, there was sufficient capacity in the pulmonary function schedule to accommodate added demand.
Findings were shared with stakeholders and influenced scheduling process improvements.
Conclusion.
This study highlights the importance of operational data to identify causes of poor access, guide system decision-making, and determine effects of improvement initiatives in a variety of healthcare settings.
Importantly, simple operational analysis can help to improve efficiency of health systems with little or no added financial investment.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Ip, Ada& Asamoah-Barnieh, Raymond& Bischak, Diane P.& Davidson, Warren J.& Flemons, W. Ward& Pendharkar, Sachin R.. 2016. Using Operational Analysis to Improve Access to Pulmonary Function Testing. Canadian Respiratory Journal،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103206
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Ip, Ada…[et al.]. Using Operational Analysis to Improve Access to Pulmonary Function Testing. Canadian Respiratory Journal No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103206
American Medical Association (AMA)
Ip, Ada& Asamoah-Barnieh, Raymond& Bischak, Diane P.& Davidson, Warren J.& Flemons, W. Ward& Pendharkar, Sachin R.. Using Operational Analysis to Improve Access to Pulmonary Function Testing. Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1103206
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1103206