This book presents healthcare logistics solutions that have been successfully implemented at a variety of healthcare facilities. In each case, a major challenge is presented, along with the solution approach and implementation steps, followed by the impact on hospital operations. Problems encountered when implementing the results in practice are also discussed. Much of the work presented is drawn from the experiences of members of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at Twente, along with the CHOIR spin-off company, Rhythm.

Appointment Planning in Outpatient Clinics and Diagnostic Facilities provides a concise overview of the medical and mathematical aspects of appointment planning in healthcare. This SpringerBrief specifically focuses on outpatient clinics and diagnostic facilities. It begins by introducing the topic from a medical perspective, discussing the kinds of clinics and facilities that are out there, while exploring the appointment systems they use and the problems they face. Next, the mathematical aspects of appointment planning are examined, including Markov decision modelling, queueing theory, etc. Subsequently the book addresses implementation issues that may arise, whether they be technical, medical or cultural. Finally Appointment Planning in Outpatient Clinics and Diagnostic Facilities provides an outlook on the appointment systems of the future and what they will require as a consequence of current and future developments in the medical sector.

This book presents healthcare logistics solutions that have been successfully implemented at a variety of healthcare facilities. In each case, a major challenge is presented, along with the solution approach and implementation steps, followed by the impact on hospital operations. Problems encountered when implementing the results in practice are also discussed. Much of the work presented is drawn from the experiences of members of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at Twente, along with the CHOIR spin-off company, Rhythm.