Redesigning Panel Configurations: A Case Study in Primary Care

Abstract

It is proposed that an integer non-linear programming formulation can establish guidelines and benchmarks for the redesign of patient panels for providers in primary care. The objective is to minimize the maximum overflow frequency. The optimization includes constraints which account for primary care daily operations. Salient to previous research, the forecasting of future patient care is obtained by analyzing historic patient behaviour. The research uses data obtained from primary sources. The case study found that through panel redesign a reduction of overflow frequency can be achieved. The research draws correlation between overflow and the clinic performance goal of bettering patient access. An additional benefit to this research is the spreadable nature of the work.