Embedding Simulation Modelling to Inform Team-Based Staffing at Urgent and Primary Care Centres

Overcrowded emergency rooms and inadequate primary care, especially for marginalized segments of society, are two of the most important challenges faced in the Canadian Healthcare System. A new initiative by Vancouver Coastal Health is working to address both challenges through Urgent and Primary Care Centres, which provide care on a walk-in basis to people with urgent health problems as well as ongoing primary care to people who are unable to obtain a family doctor. Health care in these Centres is delivered on a team-based model, with teams consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers. Team-based staffing schedules to address both urgent walk-in care and booked primary care are complex. This project will use simulation modelling to develop staffing formulas for Urgent and Primary Care Centres in Vancouver.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alexander Rutherford

Student:

Partner:

Vancouver General Hospital;Vancouver Coastal Health

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: