Hospital Management Research Articles

Provision of prostate cancer services in Tanzania: perspectives from five tertiary hospitals

BackgroundAccess to quality prostate cancer services remains a global challenge, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income countries. This is often due to weak health systems that struggle to meet the population’s needs. The provision of quality health services to patients with prostate cancer requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders and structural inputs. However, few studies have comprehensively assessed the relationship between these structural inputs and prostate cancer treatment outcomes. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the availability of selected structural inputs and descriptions of how they influence the provision of quality services to patients with prostate cancer in Tanzania.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach to collect data from five tertiary hospitals providing cancer services in Tanzania. A validated checklist was used to collect information on available structural inputs for prostate services at tertiary hospitals. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct 42 in-depth interviews with 20 healthcare providers, five hospital managers, and 17 patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Descriptive analysis was performed for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 14 qualitative software for the interview transcripts.ResultsAll five assessed tertiary hospitals had inadequate human resources for health to provide prostate cancer services. Only one had 70% of the required HRH, while none had above 40% of the required HRH. Within the hospitals, the skill mix imbalance was severe across cadres. Five themes emerged: inadequate infrastructure, delays in diagnosis, delays in treatment, shortage of human resources for health (HRH), and inefficient organization of prostate cancer services.ConclusionThe findings of this study, underscore the major health system deficiencies for the provision of prostate cancer services in tertiary hospitals. With the increased aging population, strong health systems are vital in addressing conditions of old aging, including prostate cancers. Studies on optimization of the available HRH and infrastructure are needed to improve the provision of prostate cancer in tertiary hospitals as an interim solution while long-term measures are needed for improving the HRH availability and conducive infrastructure.

Effectiveness of the Huddles in Improving the Patient Safety Attitudes Among Clinical Team Members.

Huddles among members of interdisciplinary medical teams involve short stand-up sessions and allow team members to focus on existing or emerging patient safety issues, thereby facilitating team communication. Hospital managers are able to recognize the current situation of the organization through patient safety attitudes, strengthen team members' awareness of patient safety, and improve the quality of health care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of huddles on improving team members' attitudes toward patient safety. We used a quasi-experimental design and selected 2 adult wards with similar properties as the experimental and comparison groups by convenience sampling. Data collection was from December 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, at a teaching hospital in central Taiwan. Team members of the ward performing huddles formed the experimental group, and they participated 2 times per week in 15-minute huddles from 8:15 to 8:30 am for a total of 4 weeks. The comparison group adopted the routine team care process. Both groups completed the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire during the pre- and post-tests of the study. The experimental group scored significantly higher in the post-test than in the pre-test in all aspects of safety attitudes, with the exception of stress recognition. These improved aspects were teamwork climate (76.47 ± 15.90 vs 83.29 ± 13.52, P < .001), safety climate (75.94 ± 16.14 vs 82.81 ± 13.74, P < .001), job satisfaction (74.34 ± 20.22 vs 84.40 ± 17.22, P <.001), perceptions of management (78.02 ± 19.99 vs 85.51 ± 15.97, P < .001), and working conditions (78.85 ± 17.87 vs 86.81 ± 14.74, P < .001). Through the huddles, clinical team members improved their understanding of different aspects of safety attitudes. Such a study provided ward units with real-time improvement and adjustment in terms of patient safety during their medical work processes with better patient safety.

The status quo and correlational analysis of nursing practices, burnout, and social support among nurses from private hospitals in Dazhou, a less developed area of China

ObjectiveTo investigate the status quo of nursing practices, job burnout and social support among private hospitals in Dazhou, Sichuan Province, and perform correlational analysis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 244 nurses were surveyed via convenience sampling from 7 private hospitals, which were randomly selected from Dazhou city. A self-designed demographic sociology questionnaire was applied, and the Chinese versions of the Maslach Burnout Scale and the Social Support scale administered from September to November 2022.ResultsThe investigated nurses were relatively young (26.84 ± 4.90 years), had a short duration of service, a low academic background, a low professional title and a low income; however, they were highly satisfied with their working environment and had a low level of burnout, and their level of personal achievement was low. Overtime work, education level and number of children had significant impacts on the level of nurse burnout. The level of social support was high, and various dimensions were negatively correlated with the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions of burnout (r=-0.438, P < 0.01; r=-0.372, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with personal achievement (r = 0.291, P < 0.01). However, the level of social support was not significantly associated with burnout (r=-0.060, p = 0.354).ConclusionsNursing managers in private hospitals should consider ways of improving nurses’ education, professional titles, working environment and increasing nurses’ income to stabilize the nursing team. Efforts should be made to relieve the nurses’ pressure, and notice the overtime work and professional development of nurses to enhance the personal sense of achievement. More measures should be taken to improve the level of social support, thereby promoting the continuous improvement of nursing quality. Due to the uneven level of social and economic development in different parts of China, the extensibility of the research needs to be confirmed by more studies, but it still has important reference significance for Northeast Sichuan, which represents areas with similar social and economic levels.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Waste Management in Medium-sized Hospital among Health Care Workers

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Waste Management in Medium-sized Hospital among Health Care Workers

Improvement of Drug Stock Management Using ABC-VED Analysis in a University Hospital

Objective: Hospitals allocate approximately 35% of their budgets to pharmaceutical and material stocks in order to provide uninterrupted health services. For this reason, hospital managers spend a lot of time and effort in order to keep a minimum level of stock so as not to disrupt health service production and thus to better manage the limited resources of the enterprise. The aim of this study is to group the drugs according to their financial value and vital importance. In this way, it is aimed to perform stock management in the least costly, errorfree and effective way. Method: In the study, data corresponding to one-year (2021) consumption of a total of 1327 items of drugs were analyzed. The total cost is approximately 83 million ₺. In this study, an ABC-VED cross-analysis was performed on the one-year drug consumption data of a university hospital with 853 beds in order to provide an example of a more controlled inventory structure. Results: According to the results, it is seen that the ratio of drugs in the first category, that is, drugs that are both high cost and vital for the patient, to the total drug item is 38%. The cost of these drugs constitutes 87% of the total cost. Conclusion: Taking into account the classifications put forward in the study, strict monitoring of a small number of drugs and regular weekly counts will make drug stock management much easier for managers.

Research on Construction of Knowledge Base for MRI Equipment Maintenance Based on Knowledge Graph

To improve the level of modern hospital management and establish a scientific and effective medical equipment maintenance guarantee system, this paper proposes the construction of a dynamic interactive fault repair knowledge base system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment based on knowledge graph technology. This innovative application of intelligent management for large medical equipment involves collecting and organizing actual maintenance data. The paper constructs the medical equipment maintenance knowledge base, with MRI equipment as a case study, and initially implements functions such as fault information retrieval, technical guidance, and training and learning for MRI equipment. These functions aim to provide an objective decision-making basis for the maintenance and management of large medical equipment, enhance the efficiency of fault repair and maintenance, and elevate the construction level of intelligent hospitals.

Patient safety culture can improve the quality of nursing care

Patient safety is an indispensable and vital component of healthcare systems, constituting a fundamental pillar of quality within healthcare organizations [1]. Currently, the focus on ensuring patient safety is a crucial aspect of delivering healthcare services in hospitals, as any deficiencies in this area may result in unfavorable outcomes. Indeed, the entitlement to be protected from harm while undergoing medical treatment is a fundamental human right. Ensuring patient safety is a critical measure of hospital management, and neglecting it may result in a rise in patient mortality [2]. Nursing errors and mistakes not only result in harm to patients but also give rise to various issues. These include ineffective and incomplete treatment, prolonged hospital stays, escalated expenses, erosion of patient confidence in the healthcare system, and the potential for legal complications for nurses [3].

Impact of Information and System Quality on User Satisfaction with Outpatient EMRs at RSKIA Sadewa, Indonesia

The use of electronic medical records (EMR) in outpatient services continues to increase, however, many hospitals still face challenges in ensuring optimal adoption and user satisfaction. Previous research suggests that issues related to information quality and system stability may hinder the effective use of EMRs, but not many studies have specifically analyzed these two factors in the context of regional hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of information and system quality on EMR user satisfaction in RSKIA Sadewa, Yogyakarta, and identify strategic improvement steps. Primary data were collected from 42 questionnaires distributed to EMR users, and 37 responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results showed that system quality (β = 0.213, p &lt; 0.05) and information quality (β = 0.199, p &lt; 0.05) had a significant influence on user satisfaction, with a joint contribution of 81.1% (R² = 0.811). Although the system provided sufficient features, system reliability constraints and incomplete information negatively affected user experience. System menu optimization and regular training are proposed as strategic measures to improve operational effectiveness. The findings provide important insights for hospital managers and policymakers regarding the importance of strengthening IT infrastructure and data validation to support more effective EMR implementation. Further research is recommended to involve various hospitals in different contexts to expand external validity and provide more comprehensive recommendations for the healthcare sector.

The Role of Financial Leverage and Cost Management on Operational Efficiency and Earnings Stability in Hospitality Industry in Indonesia

This study explores the impact of cost management and financial leverage on operational efficiency and earnings stability in the hospitality industry in Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was collected from 280 hospitality businesses and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results reveal that both cost management and financial leverage significantly contribute to earnings stability, with financial leverage also playing a strong role in improving operational efficiency. Operational efficiency serves as a critical mediator, linking financial strategies to stable earnings. The findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing debt financing and cost control to optimize both financial performance and operational processes in the hospitality sector. These insights offer valuable guidance for hospitality managers seeking to enhance long-term profitability and resilience in a highly competitive industry.

Simulating the Effects of Internal Marketing on Patient Satisfaction Development in Hospitals of Ardabil Province, Iran

Background: To gain and maintain stable competitive advantages, hospitals are currently seeking novel strategies for Patient Satisfaction Development (PSD). To this end, hospitals are required to establish strategies for improvement and provide basic platforms; one of these strategies is Internal Marketing (IM). This type of marketing typically demands customer-oriented behavior and thinking by all hospital staff in terms of dealing with patients. Accordingly, the current research recommends a simulation pattern for PSD within hospitals in Ardabil Province, Iran, considering the predominant factors affecting IM. Methods: This study, utilizing a qualitative-quantitative research design, was conducted on a statistical population of 17 theoretical (the university professors) and experimental (hospital managers) experts. The sampling technique was of the non-probability type and purposive, and the data collection tools were interviews and questionnaires. In the qualitative phase, the main themes and sub-themes of IM in the hospitals of Ardabil Province, Iran, were initially identified by thematic analysis. Then, in the quantitative phase, the major factors were prioritized via the fuzzy Delphi method, and finally, the effects of IM on PSD were simulated through agent-based modeling. Data analysis in the qualitative phase was done with MaxQDA 20 software, and Microsoft Excel and AnyLogic 8.9 were operated in the quantitative one. Results: Based on the study results, 35 primary codes, 12 sub-themes, and three main themes (organizational, occupational, and individual) were obtained. In light of this, the organizational factors were introduced as the most effective ones. Besides, the study results suggested that the PSD prospect in the hospitals of Ardabil Province, Iran, reached 70 % at the end of the simulation. Conclusion: According to the study results, it is suggested that hospital managers devote much attention to the effective factors in IM, specially the organizational ones, as they play a leading role in PSD.

The influence of revised ordinance on radiation protection management in Japanese hospitals: device deployment and involvement of radiology technologists.

This study evaluates the impact of the 2021 revision of Japan's Ordinance on the Prevention of Ionizing Radiation Hazards on radiation protection practices, focusing on the deployment of radiation protection devices and the involvement of radiology technologists in Japanese hospitals. A two-phase web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among hospitals registered as training facilities with the Japanese Radiological Society. The survey included 53 questions covering facility information, radiation worker management, training, and working environment. The use of lens-specific dosimeters significantly increased post-revision (p = 0.005). Protective eyewear availability showed minor improvements, particularly in angiographic rooms (p = 0.019). The involvement of radiology technologists remained high in angiographic rooms but showed no significant changes in endoscopy and fluoroscopy rooms. Larger hospitals exhibited better compliance with protective measures, though gaps in resource allocation persisted. The ordinance revision led to significant improvements in dosimeter usage but only minor changes in protective eyewear deployment and technologist involvement.

Patients' intention to make an up-front payment at private outpatient clinics in Malaysia as a no-show reduction method.

Regulating patients' no-show behavior is critical from the standpoints of sustainable medical services and operational efficiencies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients' intention to make partial up-front payments at outpatient clinics. This was a cross-sectional study design introducing a self-administered questionnaire to 221 outpatients at a private health facility. The questionnaire measured the patient's demographic characteristics, perceived usefulness (PU), trust in the health facility, and intention to make upfront partial payments. Out of the total respondents, 57.4% were female. There were 34.8% Malays, 40.6% Chinese and 24.6% Indians. The majority (66.5%) of the respondents attained tertiary education. Nearly a third of the respondents (30.5%) reported an income between 3000 and 5000 Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Regarding payment mode, just more than half (51.1%) made self-payment, and 21.8% by guaranteed letter. A quarter (24.9%) waited more than 3h for consultation and 59.6% visited the health facility more than 2 times in a year.Initial analysis showed that PU, trust, age, education, number of visits, and hours of waiting were significantly associated with the intention to make a partial payment. Multiple linear regression showed that perceived usefulness (B = 0.517, p < 0.001); trust in hospital management (B = 0.288, p < 0.001) and number of visits (B = 0.216, p < 0.001) were associated with the intention to make partial payment.Intention to make partial up-front payments is associated with higher perceived usefulness in making such payments and hospital trust. Visiting the health facility frequently was associated with a higher intention to make upfront partial payment. The result may guide further studies on potential remedies to no-show.

Assessing the Role of Cultural Diversity in Shaping Organizational Performance and Customer Satisfaction in the Hospitality Sector: A Quantitative Approach

The hospitality sector staff is noted for being multicultural, as is its customer. Understanding the complexities of cultural diversity is crucial for efficient hospitality management as businesses work to establish inclusive and culturally sensitive settings. In the context of the hospitality sector, this paper aims to investigate the effects of cultural diversity on organizational performance and consumer satisfaction. A representative sample of workers in the hotel sector is given a standardized questionnaire. The survey measures demographic traits, attitudes toward cultural diversity, perceptions of inclusion, and the effects of diversity on business performance and customer happiness. Since the data are quantifiable, statistical analysis may be used to find trends, correlations, and the overall impact of cultural diversity on many aspects of hospitality management. The study's findings add to the body of knowledge on cultural diversity in the hospitality sector by providing insights into the tactics and methods that improve industry efficiency and customer happiness. The study emphasizes the need of developing a welcoming and inclusive company culture that values diversity, encourages cultural awareness, and capitalizes on the distinctive skills and viewpoints of employees from all origins.

Antimicrobial Use in Cats in a University Veterinary Hospital in Central Italy: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Monitoring antimicrobial use is crucial for understanding current prescribing practices. Such information helps in establishing stewardship programs for effectively using antimicrobials and combating resistance to them. Objectives: This study describes how antimicrobials are prescribed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pisa and compares how the internal medicine and intensive care units differ in their usage of antimicrobials. Methods: The study involved cats that were presented in the units in 2021 and 2022. Antimicrobial prescriptions were obtained via the hospital's management software (OCIROE). Results: In a population of 1164 non-surgical cats with 397 antimicrobials prescribed, the most prescribed ones were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in the internal medicine unit and ampicillin in the intensive care unit. Twenty-five percent of all antimicrobials were Highest-Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials or Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group Category B. The oral route was the main route of administration in the internal medicine unit, while parenteral was the most common route used in the intensive care unit. Most antimicrobials were prescribed to treat pathologic conditions affecting the urinary (39%), gastroenteric (21%), respiratory (13%), and integumentary (12%) systems. A diagnosis, accurate dosage, and the use of species-approved medications were recorded in the antimicrobial prescriptions. However, only 11% of these prescriptions were supported by antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Conclusions: These results suggest room for improvement, particularly in increasing the use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ensure more targeted antimicrobial therapy. Given the importance of antimicrobial resistance and the One Health approach, the study also highlights the need to consider the broader impact of antimicrobial use in animals, including the potential contribution to resistance in bacteria that affect both animal and human health.

A mountain of waste created daily: a thematic analysis of environmental sustainability experiences of postgraduate intensive care nursing students

BackgroundThe healthcare sector has a negative ecological impact, and intensive care is one of the most resource-consuming areas. Nurses have a duty to contribute to climate change reduction, design climate-resilient healthcare systems, and support individuals and communities in adapting to the effects of the planetary health crisis. It is essential to incorporate environmental sustainability into nursing education so that nurses can advocate for conscientious and ethically sustainable healthcare that benefits both patients and the planet. This study aimed to explore postgraduate intensive care nursing student experiences of environmental sustainability in clinical practice at intensive care units.MethodsData were collected using a qualitative questionnaire, and the data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The participants were 24 registered nurses studying postgraduate, specialist intensive care nursing courses at four universities in the south and west regions of Sweden.ResultsThe results describe critical care students’ environmental sustainability experiences in one overarching theme with five subthemes. Intensive care is a challenging context in terms of sustainability, where saving lives is the number one priority. There were good and bad sustainability habits among the staff, and awareness was key to improving. Clinical supplies come in unsustainable packages, and the participants wished for better alternatives and they wanted more knowledge and education on sustainable practices. The findings also emphasized the importance of a holistic perspective throughout each patient’s pathway.ConclusionsSustainability in intensive care units is somewhat unrecognised today, although intensive care nurses want that to change. The context where saving lives is prioritized makes implementing ecologically responsible practices a challenge. However, environmental sustainability in intensive care is feasible, with education needed for nurses to take on the responsibility of making improvements. Hospital management prioritizing sustainability is also important to support clinicians in implementing sustainable practices in intensive care units.

Factors Influencing ICT Usage in the Healthcare Management System at Government Hospitals in Tanzania: A Case of Kilwa Road Police Hospital

This study assesses the factors influencing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage in healthcare management systems at government hospitals in Tanzania, with a specific focus on Kilwa Road Police Hospital. The study aims to: examine the extent to which ICT infrastructure availability influences ICT usage in healthcare management systems; determine the influence of staff awareness on ICT usage at Kilwa Road Police Hospital; and investigate the influence of management support on ICT usage in healthcare management systems at the hospital. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and employed a descriptive research design. Systematic sampling was used to select 162 respondents from a target population of 272 staff members. Data was collected through questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics utilized multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that the availability of necessary hardware and software is significantly and positively related to the effective utilization of ICT in healthcare management systems at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. Additionally, the level of staff awareness was identified as a crucial factor influencing ICT usage. The relationship between hardware and software availability and ICT utilization was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05), highlighting its importance in enhancing healthcare management systems. Furthermore, management support was found to play a significant role in ICT usage for healthcare management at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. The study concludes that ICT infrastructure, staff awareness, and management support are critical factors influencing ICT usage in healthcare management systems at Kilwa Road Police Hospital. It recommends that the hospital's management ensure the continuous availability of ICT infrastructure to sustain effective healthcare management systems.

Mental Accounting Practices and Spending Behavior of Collegiate Students at National University Baliwag: An Assessment

This study assesses the influence of mental accounting practices on the spending behavior of college students at National University Baliwag. It aims to understand how gender and school affiliation influence these connections. The research employs a combination of applied, quantitative, explanatory, and descriptive methods, utilizing data collected through a three-sectioned questionnaire from a sample of 361 students. The findings revealed a high negative correlation between mental accounting practices and spending behavior, stating that students who utilize mental accounting tend to have controlled spending habits. Furthermore, it was noted that gender has no significant difference in mental accounting practices but has a difference in spending behavior. The School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (SEAT) showed the highest mental accounting practices, while the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) had the highest spending behavior. While several studies have linked mental accounting practices in various shopping methods, this research contributes to the literature by applying the mental accounting theory within a university context in the Philippines. This study is important in understanding behavioral finance, providing guidance and practical implications for the beneficiaries of the study.

A Comparative Study of Government Hospital &amp; Private Hospital Staff &amp; Patient Relationship With Special Reference to Navi Mumbai.

The sociology of healthcare is the focus of this study, which looks at the interactions between employees and patients at Navi Mumbai's public and private hospitals. It investigates how social structures, cultural practices, and organizational designs influence these interactions within healthcare settings. The study begins with a sociological overview of health, then delves into the evolving concepts of health, highlighting the critical role of hospital organization and management. It discusses the structural and functional differences between hospitals, emphasizing their importance within the healthcare framework. The main focus over here is a comparative study of government and private hospitals, with a particular emphasis on the staff-patient interactions. The research observes how these relationships differ between the two hospital types and considers the impact on patient care, staff morale, and overall hospital performance. The study aims to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each system, ultimately providing suggestions to enhance staff-patient relationships and improve the quality of healthcare services in Navi Mumbai.

Is Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis Effective in Preventing and Controlling Coronavirus Disease-19? A qualitative study

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) management requires continuous monitoring and evaluation based on various methods and models. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis in preventing and controlling the COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted using directed qualitative content analysis. A total of 15 participants, including 9 patients with COVID-19, a physician, a pharmacist, the head of the department of infectious diseases, a hospital manager, a nurse, and the head of a health center were selected through purposive sampling from May to July 2020. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis method. Results: The analysis of the data revealed four main categories including the strengths (use of various media, supporting ideals), weaknesses) low understanding of disease risk, lack of vaccines, lack of appropriate tele-education and tele-medicine programs, infrastructural constraints), opportunities (people’s participation, family support, compliance with regulations), and threats (sanctions and poor control, the conflict between doubt and certainty, hidden layers of the disease, corona and social stigma). The internal and external analysis was determined as the main theme. Conclusion: The results suggest that it is necessary to make optimal use of the strengths and opportunities of the COVID-19 crisis and to develop participation and empathy among people in addition to complying with laws and making appropriate use of educational media. In this regard, the strengthening of tele-education infrastructure and transparency in presenting reports and methods for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 can be effective.

Evaluating the Bias in Hospital Data: Automatic Preprocessing of Patient Pathways Algorithm Development and Validation Study.

The optimization of patient care pathways is crucial for hospital managers in the context of a scarcity of medical resources. Assuming unlimited capacities, the pathway of a patient would only be governed by pure medical logic to meet at best the patient's needs. However, logistical limitations (eg, resources such as inpatient beds) are often associated with delayed treatments and may ultimately affect patient pathways. This is especially true for unscheduled patients-when a patient in the emergency department needs to be admitted to another medical unit without disturbing the flow of planned hospitalizations. In this study, we proposed a new framework to automatically detect activities in patient pathways that may be unrelated to patients' needs but rather induced by logistical limitations. The scientific contribution lies in a method that transforms a database of historical pathways with bias into 2 databases: a labeled pathway database where each activity is labeled as relevant (related to a patient's needs) or irrelevant (induced by logistical limitations) and a corrected pathway database where each activity corresponds to the activity that would occur assuming unlimited resources. The labeling algorithm was assessed through medical expertise. In total, 2 case studies quantified the impact of our method of preprocessing health care data using process mining and discrete event simulation. Focusing on unscheduled patient pathways, we collected data covering 12 months of activity at the Groupe Hospitalier Bretagne Sud in France. Our algorithm had 87% accuracy and demonstrated its usefulness for preprocessing traces and obtaining a clean database. The 2 case studies showed the importance of our preprocessing step before any analysis. The process graphs of the processed data had, on average, 40% (SD 10%) fewer variants than the raw data. The simulation revealed that 30% of the medical units had >1 bed difference in capacity between the processed and raw data. Patient pathway data reflect the actual activity of hospitals that is governed by medical requirements and logistical limitations. Before using these data, these limitations should be identified and corrected. We anticipate that our approach can be generalized to obtain unbiased analyses of patient pathways for other hospitals.