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Queuing Theory Chapter 1

queuing analysis research
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55 views4 pages

Queuing Theory Chapter 1

queuing analysis research
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter I : INTRODUCTION

Overview of Queuing Theory

Queuing theory is a branch of applied mathematics and operations


research that focuses on the study and analysis of waiting lines, known as
queues, in various systems. It provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding and optimizing the behavior of queues by examining key
factors such as arrival rates, service times, queue lengths, and resource
utilization.

One fundamental aspect of queuing theory involves studying the arrival


process, which explores how entities (such as customers, tasks, or data
packets) enter a system over time, characterized by arrival rates or inter-
arrival times. Additionally, queuing theory delves into the service process,
investigating how entities are served or processed once they enter the
system, with service times that can be constant or variable.

Another critical component is queue discipline, which dictates the rules for
determining the order in which entities are served from the queue,
influencing system performance and efficiency. Queuing theory also
examines queue length dynamics and system capacity, evaluating how
queue lengths fluctuate based on arrival and service rates and assessing
system performance metrics such as average queue length, waiting time,
resource utilization, and system throughput.

Queuing theory finds wide-ranging applications in industries such as


healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, and manufacturing,
helping organizations optimize resource allocation, improve service
quality, and reduce waiting times and congestion for enhanced
operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Background of the Study

In the healthcare industry, managing patient wait times is crucial for


improving overall service quality and patient satisfaction. Long wait times
are a common frustration, as many of us have experienced delays in
securing doctor’s appointments or receiving treatments (Mahala et al.,
2023).

Due to inefficiencies in hospital service operations, patients often spend


excessive time waiting for needed services (Dellaert et al., 2015; Lohlun
et al., 2015). Long queues reflect poor coordination, inadequate
management, and insufficient resources, ultimately impacting service
quality and patient satisfaction (Basta et al., 2016; Bringedal B., 2016;
Bachmann MO & Barron P., 1997). Addressing this issue is essential for
ensuring efficient and effective patient care delivery.

Canora Clinic and Laboratory, located in Isabel, Leyte, is a small


healthcare facility serving the local community alongside the Isabel Rural
Health Unit. The clinic operates on a walk-in basis, handling a high volume
of patient visits for check-ups, laboratory examinations, and medical
assessments. Despite having registered nurses, physicians, and medical
technologists on staff, long queues persist, presenting a significant
challenge in managing patient waiting times.

Queuing theory, as described by Kritchanchai, D. (2012), is widely used to


analyze processes involving waiting lines in various industries, aiming to
optimize resource allocation under fluctuating demand. The extended
waiting times at Canora Clinic and Laboratory necessitate a closer
examination of factors contributing to queue congestion and service
delays. Through queuing analysis, researchers aim to identify causes of
prolonged waiting times and explore solutions to optimize patient flow and
operational efficiency.

This study aims to investigate factors influencing waiting times, such as


patient arrival patterns, service durations, and clinic capacity utilization.
By applying queuing theory techniques, including simulation modeling and
statistical analysis, researchers aim to quantify performance metrics such
as average waiting times, queue lengths, and service utilization rates.

Understanding patient queue dynamics at Canora Clinic and Laboratory is


crucial for implementing targeted interventions to enhance the patient
experience and operational efficiency. By applying queuing theory
principles, the clinic can gain insights into patient flow dynamics, optimize
resource allocation, implement appropriate queuing disciplines, and
continuously monitor and improve queue management processes. These
efforts can lead to reduced wait times, improved patient experiences, and
overall operational enhancements.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to utilize queuing theory to analyze the factors influencing
waiting times at Canora Clinic and Laboratory in Isabel, Leyte.
Furthermore, it sought to address the following questions:

1. What is the arrival rate of patient?

2. What is the service rate (patients served/unit of time) in different areas:


2.1 Pre- Consultation

2.2 Internal Medicine

2.3 Laboratory

2.4 Obstetrics/ Gynecology

3. What is the behavior of the queuing system in terms of;

3.1 average number of patients waiting in line

3.2 average number of time waiting in line

3.3 average service time per service facility

4. What is the utilization of the system in different areas of the clinic?

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This queuing analysis will focuses only on identifying and addressing


factors contributing to prolonged waiting times at Canora Clinic and
Laboratory. Additionally, the study will specifically involve applying
queuing theory principles to understand patient flow dynamics, service
durations, and resource utilization within the clinic setting.

The study is focused solely on Canora Clinic and may not encompass the
broader dynamics of the healthcare system or be applicable to different
settings. External factors such as fluctuating patient volumes, staff
availability, and unexpected emergencies could impact the effectiveness
of proposed interventions. Additionally, the study’s analysis is limited by
the available data and resources specific to Canora Clinic, which may
constrain the depth and breadth of the research. The interventions and
recommendations proposed are tailored specifically to Canora Clinic and
may not be transferable or beneficial to other healthcare facilities.

Research Locale

The study will be conducted at the Canora Clinic and Laboratory, located
on Osmena Street in Isabel, Leyte. This private healthcare facility, owned
and managed by the Canora couple, has been serving the local
community for many years. The clinic provides a variety of medical
services, including laboratory tests, routine check-ups, and internal
medicine. Researchers will collect data by observing patient flow in the
clinic, ensuring their activities do not disrupt the clinic’s operations. The
clinic was selected because it offers the necessary data for queuing
analysis. The study is scheduled for the second semester of the academic
year 2023-2024.

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