What is the most common scheduling method that provides a steady flow of patients?

The most common scheduling method that provides a steady flow of patients is time-specified (stream) scheduling. This approach involves scheduling patients at specific intervals, which helps in managing appointment times effectively and ensuring that there is a continuous, predictable flow of patients throughout the day.

In time-specified scheduling, each patient is given a designated time slot, allowing the healthcare provider to allocate time for each visit efficiently. This method minimizes wait times and helps staff prepare for the expected patient load, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. By having a structured plan, the clinic can better manage resources, including personnel and facilities, leading to a smoother workflow.

While wave scheduling, double booking, and modified wave scheduling can also be useful, they tend to introduce greater variability and unpredictability. Wave scheduling may result in periods of congestion, while double booking can lead to overbooking and patient delays. Modified wave scheduling attempts to mitigate some of these issues, but it still does not provide the consistent predictability that time-specified scheduling offers. Thus, time-specified (stream) scheduling is recognized for its effectiveness in delivering a steady, manageable patient flow.