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PATIENT FLOW STUDY
Introduction to a Patient Flow Study
What is a Patient Flow Study (PFS)?
Another term for computerized simulation or modeling of patient,
staff, office and scheduling events or any a particular set
of circumstances.
An objective measurement of who did what to whom for how
long.
A tool to develop the means to increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of the health care practice.
A tool to assess alternative patterns of service delivery
before implementation
What are the purposes of a PFS?
To increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of a health
care service
To determine how much time is spent by clients and staff
in direct face to face contact.
To assess "down time" for clients and staff .
To study patterns of client arrivals in regard to appointment
times.
To identify the unexpected and/or the interruptions that
occur in
the course of any clinic or office session.
To identify and rectify bottlenecks and barriers
To identify the cost of providing that particular session.
To study the cost and effects of non patient events
Who participates in a PFS?
Most typically it is the office manager/practice manager,
the on-site study coordinator, and the consultant team
This type of patient flow study:
- does not interfere with the flow of patients or staff
while the study is being conducted.
- does not jeopardize the privacy and confidentiality
of clients or staff
What type of report is received from a Patient Flow
Study?
A report that incorporates both statistics and graphic display
of the events studied .
A narrative report:
- that studies the statistical and graphical components,
- makes recommendation, and
- incorporates practice management and staff suggestions
for improvement in service delivery.
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