Simulation Models of Three Ireland Army Community Hospital Primary Care Clinics

Through the use of simulation models, this study compared the existing configuration of three primary care clinics. Altermate models, which change staffing levels and process configurations, were also built with intent of improving the efficiency of the primary care clinics. In this study, statistically significant differences in the patients total time spent in the clinic, patient waiting times and resource utilization rates existing among the three clinics and between the clinics and the altemate models. As a result of this study, recommendations included the elimination of the existing clinic triage area and not increase health care provider staffing levels.