PATIENT FLOW ANALYSIS OF THE WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER Michelle E. Kandcer Doris Quinn, Ph.D., Advisor

PROJECT DEFINITION The goal of this project is to assess and to improve the patient flow process in the Women’s Cancer Center at Vanderbilt.

OBJECTIVES To create a flowchart in (Micrografx Flow-Charter 7.0) that will describe the current patient flow process. To highlight weaknesses of the process. To emphasize (on the flowchart) patients’ feelings regarding the process. To make suggestions as to how to improve the current process.

SIGNIFICANCE The American Cancer Society estimates that 178,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone and that 3,900 of these women will be from Tennessee. Furthermore, another 43,500 women will die because of this disease. * Currently, more than 50 women per day utilize services provided by the Cancer Center.

WORK COMPLETED Met with nurses and technicians of the Women’s Cancer Center to discuss the current flow process. Created and submitted a preliminary flowchart to personnel at the Center.

CURRENT STATUS Have begun analyzing patient waiting time. Awaiting feedback on the “preliminary” flowchart from personnel at the Center.

FUTURE WORK To meet with personnel of the Center and revise flowchart if necessary. To observe the patient flow process on “normal” days. To collect additional data regarding Patient waiting time. Number of patients per day. Patients’ responses as to the quality of service provided.

FUTURE WORK To address issues afflicting the process: Overworked and stressed employees. Variation among physicians. Limited space.

REFERENCES The American Cancer Society Homepage http://www.cancer.org