Enhancing Efficiency in Public Healthcare’s Specialized Departments with Triage Protocol

Abstract

Public healthcare in low-resource settings continues to face challenges as demand for services grows faster than available resources, resulting in longer waiting times, a significant challenge. This study evaluated patient flow using a discrete-event simulation model, incorporating the triage protocol to assess its impact on waiting times, length of stay, and resource utilization. Arrivals, service times, and resource availability data were collected, a model was developed, verified, and validated against real-world operations, and triage-based improvement scenarios were simulated. Results revealed major bottlenecks in antenatal and gynecology consultations, triage, and delivery units, where patients faced the most extended delays and resources were overstretched. Implementation of the triage protocol showed limited effect under current staffing, but when combined with optimized resourcing, waiting times in high-pressure areas were nearly eliminated, and overall length of stay was reduced by 5.6% in the Labour and Delivery (L/D) clinic and 12.1% in the Mother Child Health (MCH) clinic. The study concludes that triage protocols are effective in improving patient flow when integrated with resource optimization and workflow redesign. This research provides new evidence on resource-sensitive strategies that can enhance maternity care performance and inform policy for scaling maternal health interventions under Universal Health Coverage in low-resource contexts