Research

9 pages, 1038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Waiting Time in Clinic Registration of Patients with Appointments and Random Walk-Ins

by Jin Kyung Kwak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2635; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20032635 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Healthcare institutions generally use an appointment system. However, patients often need to receive medical services unexpectedly. If they visit a clinic without an appointment, they may have to wait for a long time, as their priority is low. In this study, we investigated [...] Read more.

Healthcare institutions generally use an appointment system. However, patients often need to receive medical services unexpectedly. If they visit a clinic without an appointment, they may have to wait for a long time, as their priority is low. In this study, we investigated whether the clinic registration system can be improved by separating the queues and resources for different types of patients. From our simulation results, we found that under a certain setup, the separation policy does not effectively reduce the walk-ins’ waiting time, nor improve the service. The study gives valuable managerial insights into the factors affecting patients’ waiting times. As the number of random walk-ins is relatively higher, the service times are longer, and the no-show rate of appointments is lower, separation may reduce the waiting time of walk-in patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Statistical Analysis of Absenteeism in a University Hospital Center between 2007 and 2019

by Charlène Millot, Bruno Pereira, Sophie Miallaret, Maëlys Clinchamps, Luc Vialatte, Arnaud Guillin, Yan Bailly, Ukadike Chris Ugbolue, Valentin Navel, Julien Steven Baker, Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois and Frédéric Dutheil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12966; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912966 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the evolution of compressible absenteeism in a hospital center and identify the professional and sociodemographic factors that influence absenteeism. Method: All hospital center employees have been included over a period of twelve consecutive years (2007 to 2019). Compressible absences and [...] Read more.

Objectives: To estimate the evolution of compressible absenteeism in a hospital center and identify the professional and sociodemographic factors that influence absenteeism. Method: All hospital center employees have been included over a period of twelve consecutive years (2007 to 2019). Compressible absences and occupational and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using Occupational Health data. Since the distribution of the data did not follow a normal distribution, the number of days of absence was presented as a median (interquartile range (IQR): 1st quartile–3rd quartile), and comparisons were made using non-parametric tests followed by a negative binomial model with zero inflation (ZINB). Results: A total of 16,413 employees were included, for a total of 2,828,599 days of absence, of which 2,081,553 were compressible absences (73.6% of total absences). Overall, 42% of employees have at least one absence per year. Absent employees had a median of 15 (IQR 5–53) days of absence per year, with an increase of a factor of 1.9 (CI95 1.8–2.1) between 2007 and 2019 (p < 0.001). Paramedical staff were most at risk of absence (p < 0.001 vs. all other occupational categories). Between 2007 and 2019, the number of days of absence was multiplied by 2.4 (CI95 1.8–3.1) for administrative staff, 2.1 (CI95 1.9–2.3) for tenured, 1.7 (CI95 1.5–2.0) for those living more than 12 km from the workplace, 1.8 (CI95 1.6–2.0) among women, 2.1 (CI95 1.8–2.6) among those over 50 years of age, 2.4 (CI95 1.8–3.0) among “separated” workers, and 2.0 (CI95 1.8–2.2) among those with at least one child. Conclusions: Paramedical personnel are most at risk of absenteeism. Meanwhile, absenteeism is increasing steadily, and overall, the increase is major for administrative staff. The profile of an employee at risk of absenteeism is a titular employee, living at distance from work, probably female, over 50 years old, separated, and with children. Identifying professionals at risk of absenteeism is essential to propose adapted and personalized preventive measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

by Hao-Yu Yang, Li-Yu Hu, Hon-Jhe Chen, Ru-Yih Chen, Chang-Kuo Hu and Cheng-Che Shen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912331 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

The coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease is common and causes poor prognoses. Hyperlipidemia is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the association between hyperlipidemia and COPD remains ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate the risk [...] Read more.

The coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease is common and causes poor prognoses. Hyperlipidemia is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the association between hyperlipidemia and COPD remains ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate the risk of COPD development in patients with hyperlipidemia. This retrospective cohort study used information from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We enrolled 21,790 patients with hyperlipidemia and 87,160 control patients without hyperlipidemia for comparison, with a follow-up period of over 10 years. The incidence of new-onset COPD was higher in patients with hyperlipidemia (36.14 per 1000 person-years) than in the controls (22.29 per 1000 person-years). Patients with hyperlipidemia were 1.48 times more likely to develop subsequent COPD than the controls without hyperlipidemia (95% confidence interval 1.44 to 1.53, p < 0.001) following adjustments for age, sex, and comorbidities. In addition, nephropathy, hypertension, congestive heart failure, age, and sex (female) were potential risk factors for developing COPD in patients with hyperlipidemia. Patients with hyperlipidemia may have an increased risk of developing COPD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mathematical Modeling of the Evolution of Absenteeism in a University Hospital over 12 Years

by Luc Vialatte, Bruno Pereira, Arnaud Guillin, Sophie Miallaret, Julien Steven Baker, Rémi Colin-Chevalier, Anne-Françoise Yao-Lafourcade, Nourddine Azzaoui, Maëlys Clinchamps, Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois and Frédéric Dutheil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148236 - 06 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1561

Abstract

Increased absenteeism in health care institutions is a major problem, both economically and health related. Our objectives were to understand the general evolution of absenteeism in a university hospital from 2007 to 2019 and to analyze the professional and sociodemographic factors influencing this [...] Read more.

Increased absenteeism in health care institutions is a major problem, both economically and health related. Our objectives were to understand the general evolution of absenteeism in a university hospital from 2007 to 2019 and to analyze the professional and sociodemographic factors influencing this issue. An initial exploratory analysis was performed to understand the factors that most influence absences. The data were then transformed into time series to analyze the evolution of absences over time. We performed a temporal principal components analysis (PCA) of the absence proportions to group the factors. We then created profiles with contributions from each variable. We could then observe the curves of these profiles globally but also compare the profiles by period. Finally, a predictive analysis was performed on the data using a VAR model. Over the 13 years of follow-up, there were 1,729,097 absences for 14,443 different workers (73.8% women; 74.6% caregivers). Overall, the number of absences increased logarithmically. The variables contributing most to the typical profile of the highest proportions of absences were having a youngest child between 4 and 10 years old (6.44% of contribution), being aged between 40 and 50 years old (5.47%), being aged between 30 and 40 years old (5.32%), working in the administrative field (4.88%), being tenured (4.87%), being a parent (4.85%), being in a coupled relationship (4.69%), having a child over the age of 11 (4.36%), and being separated (4.29%). The forecasts predict a stagnation in the proportion of absences for the profiles of the most absent factors over the next 5 years including annual peaks. During this study, we looked at the sociodemographic and occupational factors that led to high levels of absenteeism. Being aware of these factors allows health companies to act to reduce absenteeism, which represents real financial and public health threats for hospitals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Family History with the Development of Breast Cancer: A Cohort Study of 129,374 Women in KoGES Data

by Hyo Geun Choi, Jung Ho Park, Yeon Ju Choi and Yong Joon Suh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6409; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126409 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) is a large cohort study that is available to the public. Using this large cohort study, we aimed to unravel the relationship between breast cancer development [...] Read more.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) is a large cohort study that is available to the public. Using this large cohort study, we aimed to unravel the relationship between breast cancer development and a family history of breast cancer in Korea. Methods: This cohort study relied on data from the KoGES from 2001 through 2013. A total of 211,725 participants were screened. Of these, 129,374 women were evaluated. They were divided into two groups, including participants with and without breast cancer. A logistic regression model was used to retrospectively analyze the odds ratio of breast cancer history in families of women with and without breast cancer. Results: Of 129,374 women, 981 had breast cancer. The breast cancer group had more mothers and siblings with histories of breast cancer (p < 0.001). A history of breast cancer in the participant’s mother resulted in an odds ratio of 3.12 (1.75–5.59), and a history of breast cancer in the participant’s sibling resulted in an odds ratio of 2.63 (1.85–3.74). There was no interaction between the history of maternal breast cancer and the history of sibling breast cancer. Based on the subgroup analysis, family history was a stronger factor in premenopausal women than in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Conclusions: A family history of breast cancer is a significant risk factor for breast cancer in Korea. Premenopausal women with a maternal history of breast cancer are of particular concern. Intensive screening and risk-reducing strategies should be considered for this vulnerable subpopulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Perception of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Regulation and Innovation Efficiency in the Construction Industry: Evidence from South Korea

by Jaeho Shin, Yeongjun Kim and Changhee Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18052334 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2868

Abstract

Due to safety issues in the construction industry, interest in research on occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations remains high. Previous studies indicated that OSH regulations not only affect performance in and of themselves, but also indirectly by increasing awareness of such regulations. [...] Read more.

Due to safety issues in the construction industry, interest in research on occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations remains high. Previous studies indicated that OSH regulations not only affect performance in and of themselves, but also indirectly by increasing awareness of such regulations. Studies also demonstrated that OSH regulation can affect innovation and corporate safety. However, the effect of OSH regulation on innovation remains unclear, as the relationship between the perception of OSH regulation and innovation is not fully understood. This study measures the innovation efficiency of companies in the Korean construction industry using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and investigates the relationship between innovation efficiency and companies’ perceptions of OSH regulations. Results indicate that companies that positively recognize OSH regulations tend to be more innovative than those that do not. This study also validates differences in innovation efficiency depending on the perception of OSH regulations by bootstrap DEA. The results of this study suggest appropriate strategies to promote innovation in the construction industry from the perspectives of both government and practitioners in firms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Effect of Childcare Teachers’ Resilience on the Relationship between Social Support in the Workplace and Their Self-Care

by Nam-Shim Park, Seung-Min Song and Jung Eun Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228513 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2914

Abstract

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support in the workplace for childcare teachers, resilience, and self-care. This study explores the inner mechanism that helps to strengthen self-care of childcare teachers, which enables teachers to provide [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support in the workplace for childcare teachers, resilience, and self-care. This study explores the inner mechanism that helps to strengthen self-care of childcare teachers, which enables teachers to provide quality care to children and promote their own wellbeing. (2) Methods: The survey was conducted from September to October 2018 for childcare teachers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province using convenience sampling. Out of 550 questionnaires, 491 were returned, with 466 used for the analysis, excluding those with incomplete responses. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis. (3) Results: There were significant correlations between all variables. The mediation analysis showed a complete mediation of resilience. (4) Conclusion: Childcare teachers first have to take good care of themselves in order to perform well as a childcare professional. Educational materials and counseling programs tailored for childcare teachers need to be developed for better self-care and building greater resilience. Materials for directors of daycare centers, as well as teachers stressing the importance of social support for each other, will help childcare teachers’ effective functioning in their professional and personal life. Prevention and intervention programs for self-care will eventually help lower the costs of healthcare in society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification of Similarity Relationships According to Parameters of Day Surgery System

by Beata Gavurova, Viliam Kovac and Jiri Bejtkovsky

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5048; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph16245048 - 11 Dec 2019

Viewed by 2012

Abstract

Performing day surgery should minimise a number of hospitalisation cases, but its use is determined by many factors. It takes advantage of the latest advances in surgical care, enabling better use of highly costly specialised operating room equipment. This analysis of the day [...] Read more.

Performing day surgery should minimise a number of hospitalisation cases, but its use is determined by many factors. It takes advantage of the latest advances in surgical care, enabling better use of highly costly specialised operating room equipment. This analysis of the day surgery system of the Slovak Republic stands on an examination of the five specialised fields—surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and urology. The explored period covers the years 2009 to 2017. The whole analysis is divided into the two sections—the youth category and for the adult category. For each case, a hospitalisation ratio is computed. A map visualisation supports the analysis outcome. A quantification of the similarity relationships between the regions is done according to a Euclidean distance approach and it is illustrated through the heat map. The centremost region is the Žilina Region with distance at a level of 1.9821, meaning that it performs as the most similar region to a development of a hospitalisation ratio in the whole Slovak Republic regarding all the examined aspects. The findings introduce an important platform for a creation of regional and national health plans in the area of healthcare provision for the population of the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Quantitative Analysis Using Public Healthcare Data

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI