Unlocking Hidden Capacity: How The START Center Avoided Facility Expansion Through Data-Driven Optimization

The START Center for Cancer Care operated two high-volume infusion centers facing capacity constraints: Medical Center with 52 chairs and 9 RNs and 2 LVNs, and Sonterra with 32 chairs and 5 RNs and 1 LVN. Both struggled with load leveling and Medical Center with limited growth capacity, raising questions about costly facility expansion.

Instead of expanding, START partnered with LeanTaaS to implement data-driven capacity modeling and optimization. By analyzing patient flow, chair utilization, and nursing ratios, START unlocked significant untapped capacity within their existing footprint.

Results: Medical Center achieved volume increases and treatment hour growth while reducing wait times. Sonterra saw volume growth and more treatment hours with shorter wait times. Capacity modeling revealed pathways for substantial additional growth—without adding physical space.


Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable growth model: Capacity modeling identified continued growth pathways without proportional resource expansion.
• Optimization before expansion: Data-driven analysis unlocked significant growth within the existing footprint, avoiding costly construction investments.
• Operational excellence drives patient experience: Wait time reductions while increasing volume proved efficiency improvements directly benefit patients.