Integrated optimization of appointment allocation and access prioritization in patient-centred outpatient scheduling

Walk-in patients can take a large portion of outpatient visits in comprehensive hospitals. In current common practice, an even number appointments is assigned to each slot and with appointment are given strictly higher priority than walk-in patients. As result, usually wait longer incur noticeable dissatisfaction. To improve their satisfaction, we propose integrated optimization approach for patient-centred scheduling. This aims allocate line the temporal variation patient walk-ins, further develop time-invariant threshold-based prioritization scheme balance service priorities between two types real time. substantiate this approach, prospect theory-based model quantify patient’s real-time satisfaction. We apply discrete-event simulation-based maximize average satisfaction over verify our conduct pilot endocrine department Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital. Our results suggest that substantially decreases waiting time without much compromise on who made advance appointment.