Analysis of the emergency service applying the queueing theory

Resumen

Those responsible for the decision-making in hospitals are becoming more aware of the need to efficiently manage hospital systems. One option is the queueing models. In this work, the Emergency service of a public hospital is analyzed by applying the concepts and relations of queues. Based on the results of the model, it is concluded that the Emergency area does not count with the minimum number of doctors necessary for a constant flow of patients. The minimum number of doctors necessary to satisfy the current and future service demand, with the same service times and service disciplines, is calculated using the model. The analytical models allow to directly understand the existing relations between service demand, number of doctors and the attention priority of the patient seen as a system of queues. The work is of use to managers and those responsible for the management of hospital systems.