Navigating a Changing Patient Population and Optimizing Patient Flow by Using Simulation Technology

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, located in Philadelphia, PA, is continuously looking to improve patient flow thorughout the hospital. The hospital felt there was an opportunity to optimize utilization of all the inpatient beds across patient populations. The Patient Flow team wanted to test various options to determine the best placement recommendations to optimize the utilization of all beds. 

The team leveraged a technology solution called FutureFlow Rx to run multiple scenarios. The team tested out four different scenarios of varying placement rules and analyzed the impact on census, patient mix, and boarders for each scenario. 

Using the results from the simulation, the team presented recommendations and is repurposing the beds to accomodate changing patient populations. The expected outcomes are a decrease in boarders, improvement in patient flow, and improved level-loading across units. 

Audience members will walk away with a comprehensive example of leveraging data to understand the impact of future changes. The patient flow team
used data to tell the story of proposed changes, gaining buy-in and allowing the team to make an informed decision.

The audience will learn about about the way the team used simulation to optimize patient flow. This specific tool allowed for the team to test changes and develop an optimal solution without disrupting current patient flow. Members will learn more about the solution, how it was implemented, and its benefits.

Authors

Erica is currently a Healthcare Data Engineer at BigBear.ai. She works with healthcare systems to implement and maximize value using simulation and machine learning solutions. She has prior experience as a Process Improvement professional at Inova Health System. She also applied her industrial engineering skillset as a Manufacturing Engineer at GE Healthcare. Erica graduated from Ohio State University with a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and has a Masters in Supply Chain Management. She currently resides near Baltimore, MD. 

Candice Faulks MSN, RN is the Director of Operations for the Center for Operational Resource Efficiency (CORE). With a strong nursing background, Candice brings extensive expertise in bed management operations and is a key leader in patient progression efforts. Candice excels in partnering with nursing and specialty services to ensure the optimal allocation of beds and is adept at navigating complex challenges to improve patient flow. Her commitment to operational excellence positions her as a vital resource for strategizing and overcoming barriers in patient care throughput.

At Jefferson Health, Amanda's role as a Business Operations Manager intersects strategic analysis and operational excellence through the improvement of patient flow initiatives. As a business operations manager, she plays a pivotal role in strategic planning and patient throughput processes. With a Lean Six Sigma background and process improvement experience, she has contributed to the advancement of operational activities, ensuring efficiency and effectives in clinical operations. 
 

Jennifer L. Constantine, MSN, RN is the Nurse Manager of the Patient Flow Management Center, part of the Center for Operational Resource Efficiency, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The department oversees patient flow and throughput for three hospitals in Philadelphia, and provides support to other enterprise locations as well as the enterprise Transfer Center. Her prior nursing experience includes the Operating Room. Jennifer completed a BSN from Drexel University and MSN from Capella University, and is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.