Matching (Module 3) solves the problem of "who", whereas scheduling, our topic for the current module, adds the important element "when". We also throw into the mix the "where" part, remaining within our case study of ensuring proper and efficient healthcare to a set of patients with diverse needs while respecting doctor knowhow and capacity. If "when" and "where" weren't challenging enough, we will also add a question of priority — particularly in healthcare, some services are more critical than others since some patients are in life-threatening situations while others suffer from a minor inconvenience. A good scheduler would allow for each patient to receive care in a timely manner, while ensuring that those in most urgent need will be attended to first.
This module will help you do the following:
Explore the Alberta hospital waiting-time site for a bit to get started.
Even with the issue of Module 3 solved — which doctors will see which patients — not all is well yet. It still needs to be sorted out when and where. Hence there are waitlists. Explore the waiting-time website for a bit and try to narrow down what kinds of interventions and where appear to have the longest waiting times. Then, elaborate a bit on what you think is causing differences in waiting times.
After this module, you should be familiar with the following concepts:
Remember that you can always look concepts up in the glossary. Should anything be missing or insufficient, please report it.