Computer Simulation of an Anesthesia Service at a U.S. Army Medical Treatment Facility
Abstract
With the emphasis on cost-saving continuously growing within the Military Health System, the leadership of Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) has responded by implementinga corporate style of practice and a business philosophy that prescribes more efficient use of assets. Increased business case analyses and increased cooperation with Queens Health Plans,the local TRICARE sub-contractor, evidence this. One particularly successful example of this cooperation is the use of Resource Sharing Agreements (RSA) a mutually beneficial arrangement where the contractor alleviates an identified specific personnel shortage by providing a health professional to fill that specified position within the hospital. However, TAMC departments often perceive the personnel gained through these RSAs as free labor. This misperception has contributed to an increase in the number of requests within the command as well as the resulting need to further scrutinize the requests. One such request from the hospitals anesthesia service prompted the command to commission this study to analyze empirical data to substantiate the workload and staffing levels within the service. The study was accomplished using a simulation modeling software program and existing as well as gathered data on all the anesthesia service at TAMC. The purpose was to compare not only the overall workload vs. staffing levels, but also the ratio of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) to Anesthesiologist Consultants. Three models were built with all factors identical except the number and assignment of the Anesthesiologist Consultants. Analysis of the simulation results indicates that the current workload could still be done after reducing the number of Anesthesiologists.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA420750
Entities
People
- Jerry A. Cook
Organizations
- Tripler Army Medical Center