Comparing orthopaedic trajectories
Analysis, comparison and solution designs for unit and process performances in two
hospitals
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Health service operations management
2019-2020
Student 1 Student 2
xx xx
Student number: xx Student number: xx
, Hospital name: X Hospital name: Y
II. Executive summary
A benchmark has been performed between X and Y to get insight in the efficiency of the
orthopaedic ward, the processes the orthopaedic patient group goes through, and to
investigate improvement opportunities. Key findings are mentioned in this summary.
The orthopaedic wards in both hospitals have to do with a shortage of beds, and therefore
patients are transferred temporarily to another ward. The number of days with a bed
shortage is somewhat lower in X compared to Y. However, Y has a lower absolute number of
beds short, resulting in a lower number of bed days used on another ward.
The bed utilization rate of the orthopaedic ward of X is just below the target rate of 85-
90%. Bed utilization rates of Y are slightly higher and reach the target.
Throughput times of the orthopaedic trajectory in both hospitals are almost equal (74
and 73 days for X and Y respectively). However, specification of waiting times show large
differences; the ambulatory trajectory takes longer in X compared to Y, while the opposite is
seen for the therapeutic trajectory.
The designed solutions of adding an extra bed to the ward and optimizing the home
care inquiry process, lead to improved numbers for temporary transfers to other wards.
However utilization rates decrease slightly, but this is seen as acceptable because of the
expected improved patient outcomes.
2
Analysis, comparison and solution designs for unit and process performances in two
hospitals
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Health service operations management
2019-2020
Student 1 Student 2
xx xx
Student number: xx Student number: xx
, Hospital name: X Hospital name: Y
II. Executive summary
A benchmark has been performed between X and Y to get insight in the efficiency of the
orthopaedic ward, the processes the orthopaedic patient group goes through, and to
investigate improvement opportunities. Key findings are mentioned in this summary.
The orthopaedic wards in both hospitals have to do with a shortage of beds, and therefore
patients are transferred temporarily to another ward. The number of days with a bed
shortage is somewhat lower in X compared to Y. However, Y has a lower absolute number of
beds short, resulting in a lower number of bed days used on another ward.
The bed utilization rate of the orthopaedic ward of X is just below the target rate of 85-
90%. Bed utilization rates of Y are slightly higher and reach the target.
Throughput times of the orthopaedic trajectory in both hospitals are almost equal (74
and 73 days for X and Y respectively). However, specification of waiting times show large
differences; the ambulatory trajectory takes longer in X compared to Y, while the opposite is
seen for the therapeutic trajectory.
The designed solutions of adding an extra bed to the ward and optimizing the home
care inquiry process, lead to improved numbers for temporary transfers to other wards.
However utilization rates decrease slightly, but this is seen as acceptable because of the
expected improved patient outcomes.
2
