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Simple Models Of Waiting Lists

Author

Listed:
  • G. J. RODGERS

    (Department of Mathematical Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Y. J. YAP

    (Department of Mathematical Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK)

  • T. P. YOUNG

    (Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK)

Abstract

Motivated by recent empirical studies of the length distribution of hospital waiting lists, we introduce and solve a set of models that imitate the formation of waiting lists. Patients arriving in the system must choose a waiting list to join, based on its length. At the same time patients leave the lists as they get served. The model illustrates how the power-law distributions found in the empirical studies might arise, but indicates that the mechanism causing the power-laws is unlikely to be the preferential behavior of patients or their physicians.

Suggested Citation

  • G. J. Rodgers & Y. J. Yap & T. P. Young, 2003. "Simple Models Of Waiting Lists," Advances in Complex Systems (ACS), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 6(02), pages 215-222.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:acsxxx:v:06:y:2003:i:02:n:s0219525903000827
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219525903000827
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