Seeking Recommendations for Agencies Conducting Staff Utilization Studies in Hospitals

Dear members, we are a superspecialty hospital in Kerala. We would like to conduct a staff utilization study in our hospital. Can anybody suggest any good agency providing consultancy for the above?

Thank you,

Aldrin X. Panakal

I recommend not looking at human resources in isolation. What you need to do is conduct a process study. First, map out all the processes. Then, identify any process overlaps or duplications. This will provide insight into where there may be wastage of human effort. Studying processes serves as the foundation for multi-skilling, cross-training, etc.

The second step is to establish performance metrics for each department. Achieving these metrics is crucial. To reach these goals, take the necessary actions. This may involve upgrading technology where feasible. Such activities likely do not require the assistance of an external agency.

Lastly, consider conducting a "Time and Motion Study." This is an industrial engineering activity that may necessitate external support. However, unless the first two steps are completed, jumping directly to the third may not serve the intended purpose.

Thanks,

Dinesh V Divekar

I endorse Dinesh Divekar's views. However, if you do not have personnel who are conversant with Method Study techniques, you may need to engage experts. I hope the article at http://www.webmedcentral.com/article_view/3620 will give you some idea about the work involved in conducting the study you require. I worked as a Productivity Services Manager for a large organization before entering academia, and I was trained in both Method Study and Time Study.

Regards,