The application of GPSS to multiphasic health evaluation clinic design
This paper discusses results of a study aimed at establishing an effective functional design and staffing pattern for multiphasic health evaluation (MHE) units - a design maximizing patient throughput, while minimizing both operational and capital cost expenditures. M.H.E. units consist of two phases - a battery of medical screening tests and a physical examination. System sizing was dependent on the number and availability of second phase nurse practicioners to complete the physical exams. A GPSS model was developed to analyze two types of Phase I MHE configurations: carrel testing and sequence testing. Patient arrivals were asssumed Poisson, and service times were modelled as deterministic (machine dependent) or exponential (staff dependent). Varying patient volumes were modelled and staffing and machine requirements were determined at each level. The study resulted in a 45 percent reduction in required square footage as well as reduced equipment needs and costs.