Dalhousie Engineering simulation project targets patient delays at hospital elevators

A final-year capstone project from Dalhousie University’s industrial engineering program is helping explore practical ways to manage elevator delays at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Halifax Infirmary (HI), where construction-related changes have affected how patients and visitors move through the site.

With the main entrance now on Summer Street instead of Robie Street, elevator use in that area of the Halifax Infirmary has increased, especially during peak times. This shift has led to congestion and, in some cases, delays in getting to clinic appointments on time.

To better understand the issue and explore possible solutions, engineering students Ankitha Nikesh, Navaneeth Krishnan, Samuel Boucher and Stanley Stephen Durairaj developed a simulation model focused on elevator performance under various stress scenarios, including mechanical breakdowns and high-traffic periods.

The simulation was designed to test how elevator wait times change during different operating conditions. Through in-person observation and data collection, a computer model of the public elevator operations at the HI site was constructed and used to test different scenarios. “We wanted to provide data that could support better decision-making in real time,” said Stanley. “By testing different responses to elevator disruptions, we could identify which approaches would most effectively reduce wait times.”

One key strategy examined was the use of “express” elevators on the north side of the Summer Street entrance to prioritize patient flow during breakdowns. The simulation results were promising: this approach reduced expected average wait times by up to 57.5% when one elevator was out of service. In more severe cases - such as two elevators offline - combining mitigation strategies like express service and adjusting the number of people led to expected wait time reductions between 37% and 45%.

“Our simulation also tested floor-specific appointment demands to see which combinations of express elevator rules were most effective under different conditions,” added Navaneeth. “The flexibility of the model means future teams can easily add new data and test new scenarios as the hospital grows and changes.”

The project has laid important groundwork, it offers a tool to help inform future operational decisions, especially as planning progresses for a new acute care tower at the Halifax Infirmary.

“This was an opportunity to apply what we’ve learned in a way that could make a meaningful difference,” said Navaneeth. “Delays in hospitals don’t just affect scheduling, they impact the overall experience for patients and staff.”

The project was supported by mentors from Dalhousie University, including Dr. John Blake, Dr. Michael de Souza and Sandra MacAulay Thompson, as well as members of the QEII redevelopment team.

“What stood out to us was how willing the health system was to engage with us,” said Samuel. “It made our work feel grounded in reality, not just academic.” That connection included conversations with porters, maintenance and registration staff and patients, to better understand the pressure points of navigating hospital spaces. 

The students’ industrial engineering training equipped them with tools like simulation modeling, statistical analysis and process mapping-skills that helped them validate the model and organize their findings. “These are tools we can carry forward into any part of the healthcare system,” said Ankitha. “Whether it’s patient scheduling, resource planning, or improving day-to-day workflows, these methods can support more efficient and responsive care.”

“Even small operational changes can have a ripple effect,” Ankitha added. “If a simulation can help reduce frustration or prevent someone from being late to an appointment, that matters.”

The project was named one of the top 20 by the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), and student team member Samuel has been invited to present it at the IISE 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place in Atlanta from May 31 to June 3.

As planning for the new acute care tower continues, projects like this highlight the value of partnerships between academic institutions and the health system—bringing together technical knowledge and real-world experience to improve patient flow, care delivery and everyday experiences within hospital walls.

The QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project is a partnership between the Government of Nova Scotia, Build Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Health. Part of More, Faster: The Action for Health Build, this initiative will deliver a modern acute care tower with 216 beds, 16 operating rooms, an intensive care unit and a larger emergency department. The project will enhance access to care, replace aging infrastructure and support clinical excellence for future generations of Nova Scotians. 

For more information on the QEII Halifax Infirmary Redevelopment, visit: QE2Renew.ca

For more information on the QEII Halifax Infirmary construction, visit Build Nova Scotia QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project

Photo of (L-R) Navaneeth Krishnan, Samuel Boucher, Stanley Stephen Durairaj and Ankitha Nikesh.