Simulation model for analysis and management of the no-show in outpatient clinic

Abstract

In outpatient management, the lead-time is a critical issue due to its important negative effect on healthcare quality perception. In particular, it generates the phenomenon of "no-show": when patients do not attend their scheduled appointments. In this study, we analyze the process of outpatient booking and its critical issues; in particular, we propose a simulation model to evaluate some different approaches. From our results, the lists cleaning can be considered a good tool to manage and reduce the no-show.