Flow Variability Management
The faculty of the Institute for Healthcare Optimization have developed an approach to address artificial variability in patient flow, which is a key driver of cost, quality and access issues in healthcare. In a nutshell IHO’s approach involves identifying, classifying and quantifying different types of variability in patient flow, followed by smoothing of artificial variability, thereby creating the foundation for scientifically determining the magnitude of resources for various patient streams. The main goal of flow variability management is to increase patient throughput, decrease patient waiting times, and maintain or improve safety and quality, without commensurately increasing resources.