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CORDIS Medizinische Apparate GmbH is a manufacturer and distributor of cardiological medical products in particular at Haan near Düsseldorf. In addition to its classic product range, CORDIS also provides consulting services to analyze and optimize working processes in hospitals. To reduce costs to the customer, the company decided to open up and optimize their processes. In addition to optimizing procedures and organizational structures, a considerable part of the project involved simulating the current status and alternative working procedures as the target status.
Importing and assessing real data
An important prerequisite for the success of the analysis was importing real data and processing this data in the simulation component. The results were then stored in a database, thus enabling flexible analysis of the data. To analyze, assess and organize procedures optimally in different clinics (with one or more heart catheter laboratories) Cordis decided on the INCOME Simulator due to its wide-ranging performance, flexibility and configurability.
Initial analysis and questions to be examined
Individual working procedures were observed as part of an initial analysis. On the basis of this, questions were raised regarding the subsequent optimization project. Real data about the type, duration and so on of surgical procedures for a period of at least two months was submitted.
The following questions were examined:
- How high is the actual personnel requirement?
- In the case of the procedures that have changed, could new, more extensive diagnosis and operational methods be implemented or does this massively exceed working times?
- If there are several laboratories and one is renovated, can all examinations be carried out if temporary shift work is introduced for the other laboratory?
- How can changes to the procedures save time? Will additional personnel be required to do this? · How can patients be distributed optimally between the laboratories?
- To what extent would an additional assistant doctor relieve the strain on examiners so that they can carry out the diagnosis in parallel.
- What are the causes of interface problems (waiting times, lengthy examination times due to missing data and so on). · Resource distribution for optimal laboratory operation.
- Cost structure analysis (does the individual or the unit work economically).
Current and target status
For all projects, the "procedural problems" that are suspected and partly known can be objectively represented and confirmed as the current status. The subsequent target simulation using the INCOME simulation software also provided very realistic results. In this way, the current and target statuses can be used as a starting point for the problem's solution. On the one hand, the results can be used to recognize organizational errors and to quantify them objectively, so that appropriate measures can be taken directly. On the other hand, the results can support research into hospital management, particularly in the areas of personnel planning, investment and budgeting.
Proposals for optimizing the questions that were examined
- Contrary to the trend in personnel planning, the requirement for additional personnel and for filling these positions can be represented.
- A cost efficiency analysis in an organization with several examiners can lead to cost savings and therefore significant increases in direct profit.
- Changes to daily procedures considerably reduce the overtime incurred.
- Resources for new technologies were released.
- Optimal use could be determined.
- Overtime can be avoided, the causes of interface problems are determined.
CORDIS has succeeded in using this additional service to solve specific customer problems, thereby ensuring common success for the future. The implementation of INCOME software together with support from PROMATIS has become an essential part of CORDIS' service.
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