Prof John Bowers

After studying at the Universities of Cambridge and Lancaster, I worked in the coal industry and then for an engineering consultancy.  During my industrial career I developed a number of modelling tools for analysing and designing a variety of engineering and management systems.  I then moved to the University of Stirling where I am Professor of Management Science.  My main research interest in recent years has been the selective application of concepts and models from operations management in improving healthcare delivery.

Through a series of research projects, we have explored the potential for transferring various systems analysis and modelling tools into healthcare management.  Such tools can be most relevant but they often require some adaptation for healthcare reflecting the variety of stakeholders and the strong emphasis on patient-centred care.

Examples of techniques and models:

• pathway mapping
• simulation
• multi-criteria decision analysis + economic evaluation

Recent applications:

• Balance of Care
• Intensive Care Unit capacity
• Patient Transport Service allocation of resources
• redesign
  • A&E 4 hour target
  • 18 week referral to treatment target
• outpatient services
• delays to discharge
• Ambulatory Care
• concentration of Acute Services