ABSTRACT
An analysis of the time pattern of outpatients visits to our hospital from 1997 to 2000 led to the discovery of the variation pattern of each outpatient departments workload. This discovery has enabled the managers of the hospital to rationally deploy the manpower and material resources of various departments, make full use of limited resources, readjust the working hours and shifts of different kinds of staff, and work out a flexible system of working hours which is more scientific and more convenient to patients. Implementation of such a system has ensured that prompt delivery of medical service is accessible to patients even at the peak of visiting hours. Hence the reduction of patients time of waiting and the provision of a scientific guarantee for establishing a quality, efficient, low consumption and fast outpatient service system, meeting the medical needs of patients to the maximum and enhancing work efficiency.