[AVBC 2025] Optimizing Appointment Capacity for Breast Cancer Screening: A Demand-Driven Solution to Healthier
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National Healthcare Group
3 December 2025
To optimize appointment capacity for breast cancer screening and ensure eligible women receive their mammogram appointments. By assessing demand changes and implementing responsive strategies, lead times can be maintained within 33 workdays, enhancing the.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 03 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Operational Management, Resource Allocation, Scheduling ＆ Planning, Access To Care, Waiting Time
About this Content
Aims
To optimize appointment capacity for breast cancer screening and ensure eligible women receive their mammogram appointments within 6 weeks (33 workdays).
Background
Screening mammogram is essential for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women, leading to better treatment outcomes and survival rates. The Healthier SG initiative has increased demand, leading to longer wait times for appointments.
Methods
The STAT model, a demand-driven approach, was adopted to optimize appointment availability. It involves capacity assessment, fortnightly monitoring of appointment lead times, and proactive adjustments to capacity as needed.
Results
The implementation of the STAT interventions in Q4 2023 reduced lead times to below 33 workdays, demonstrating the model's effectiveness in managing appointment capacity.
Conclusion
By assessing demand changes and implementing responsive strategies, lead times can be maintained within 33 workdays, enhancing the breast cancer screening experience and ensuring timely care.
Lessons Learnt
Challenges include planning overbooking based on no-show rates, ensuring manpower for staggered lunch and extended hours, and meeting prerequisites for Mammobus onsite parking.
Keywords
Breast Cancer, Screening, Appointment, Capacity, Healthier SG
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | National Healthcare Group Diagnostics |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Radiology |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Paik Geok Peggy |
Project Member(s) | Atiq Isnarti Binte Roslan |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Paik Geok Peggy - peggy.tan@nhghealth.com.sg