An Analysis of the Health Care Industry Dynamics

The introduction of information technologies to health care organizations is believed to improve the delivery of health care process and bring a great deal of benefit to the society. However, due to the lack of understanding in the nature of such organizations, many system providers have failed to implement their technologies to their fullest potential. The goal of this thesis is to present an analysis of health care industry and provide useful insights that help system vendors understand the complexity of the environment. The methodology chosen is system dynamics. A simulation model was developed based on a series of interviews conducted with physicians. After performing sensitivity analysis on the model it is determined that only through controlling the inflow of potential patients can any meaningful reduction in physician workflow be achieved. Thesis Supervisor: John R. Williams Title: Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Acknowledgement I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported and encouraged me throughout three years of advanced educational experience here at MIT First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, Shoji, Chie, Akira, Masako, Shigeru, Ken and Uncle Akira and Aunt Yoshiko for their love and support. I would also like to thank Dr. Mikio Shoji for his encouragement to pursue advanced education here at MIT. I also thank to my colleagues -Andrew Ferriere, Glorimar Ripoll, Pai-Fang Hsiao, Sakda Chaiworawitkul, and Tashan Yen. In Addition, I would like to thank Anthony Rogers, Bryan Bergeron, Daniel Sands, P.J. Huang, and Tricia Bourie for their great insights and wisdom from the health care professional point of view I am also grateful to John A. Rassias, Professor, Dartmouth Collage, for his kindness and help for improving my English skills. Also, I would like to thank my thesis and project supervisor, John R. Williams, for guidance and patience through the year. Finally, my sincere gratitude goes out to my soul mate, Sachi Nagaoka, for her continued love, encouragement, and confidence in my ability. I feel privileged that I can conclude my three years of education at MIT with the completion of Master of Engineering Program.