【學術活動】A stochastic model for when to invoke telemedicine visits in a minute clinic

Abstract: Motivated by the fact that brick and mortar pharmacies have begun to provide basic medical care, we study the stochastic model of a minute clinic that may be equipped with information technology for telemedicine. This has the potential to expand access in locations and for populations where previously medical care was inaccessible. In this talk, we discuss the decision-making scenario of a nurse practitioner choosing whether or not to seek a telemedicine visit for a patient who does not necessarily require it. If choosing to complete service themselves, service commences immediately, if calling for telemedicine there is the potential of having to wait for a doctor to be available. The tradeoff has systemwide implications. We develop policies that consider the impact of each individual decision on the whole system. Structural results and a deterministic approximation lead to the development of a heuristic that is verified with a numerical study.

Bio: Mark Lewis is the Maxwell M. Upson Professor of Engineering at Cornell University. He is highly regarded for his research in dynamic control of service systems, as well as his passion for resource allocation in controlled queueing networks. He has also published work in inventory control, transportation networks, cash balance (in finance), and wireless communications.