[Optimal sequence algorithm of divided period appointment consultation service sequence for re-visiting patients in the department of stomatology].

PURPOSE: An optimal sequence algorithm model of divided period appointment consultation service was built through optimal sequence algorithm. METHODS: Re-visiting patients in the department of stomatology in a tertiary hospital were enrolled as the research objects in this study. Information about the diagnose term of common diseases, tooth positions treated, doctor's consultation hours were collected. After calculating the mean consultation hours of each disease based on the statistical analysis, the appointment consultation service sequence of re-visiting patients in the department of stomatology was optimized in accordance with the rule of "providing priority service to those requiring short consultation hours" by referencing to the theoretical model of parallel machine. RESULTS: The total waiting hours of patients after optimizing the appointment consultation sequence was decreased by 35.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal sequence algorithm can optimize divided period consultation sequence, effectively shorten waiting hours and improve patients' medical experience.