Ambulatory Care Unit Review

This project focused on the BCCA's Vancouver Centre Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU). A process review was initiated due to operational and resource utilization challenges that led to overcrowding, excessive delays, and concerns regarding safety of critical patient care duties.

We developed a simulation model of the process and showed that improved patient scheduling and operational changes would reduce patient wait times and use of resources more efficiently. We determined configurations that achieve a reduction of up to 70% in patient wait times and 25% in physical space requirements, with the same appointment volume.

Short-term recommendations are currently being implemented and long-term recommendations will drive a major physical renovation.