Graphical representation of the comprehensive patient flow through the hospital.

Representing the patient flow through the hospital is quite a difficult task, considering the amount of data to be taken into account. In this article, some usual visual representations are first shown, then new charts are proposed. Several real examples are given. Those charts have been implemented in a web-based query interface, using PHP5 and generating SVG outputs on the fly, without any a priori knowledge. These charts allow for representing a large amount of data on the same graph: the occupancy of each medical department, their linking and transfers, allowing to display the whole care sequence. SVG, an XML-based free vector graphics format, allows rich end-user interaction. Practical applications: length of stay reducing, cost reducing, cost breakdown, further statistical study, administrative authorizations.