A medical procedure-based patient grouping method for an emergency department
A medical procedure-based patient grouping criterion is proposed. Self-organizing map (SOM) is applied to samples drawn from two patient populations. The quality of grouping results is assessed by multiple grouping indices. The best grouping result is further validated and verified as far as the statistical soundness and clinical relevance are concerned. The benefit of patient groups in supporting ED decision on resource planning and charging policy is briefly discussed.
patient grouping emergency department self-organizing map healthcare medical procedures