FORECASTING MODEL FOR HOSPITAL ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of the method of Centered Moving Average as a forecasting model for Hospital Management. The study demonstrated how Medical Directors can make future plans on hospital attendance and exercise control over their hospitals using Operations Research/Management Science (OR/MS) approach. The study recommendations encouraged hospitals, especially, private and government hospitals that have a sense of prompt and effective medical services to engage the services of Operations Research Professionals whose responsibility will be that of helping medical directors to manage hospital attendance using forecasting models. The study concluded with a note that, close monitoring in attendance can help the management of a hospital in planning and exercising control over the running of the hospital; particularly that, the management can use forecasts to make effective decisions affecting whether or not to employ more staff, provide more bed spaces and facilities or to order more drugs in advance.