Shorter device use does not necessarily mean the same reduction in service workload. Phototherapy planning also needs cleaning, reassessment, results review and capacity for infants who require further treatment.

Do not turn a study schedule into a universal timer setting. Treatment duration and post-treatment testing belong to the clinical protocol and the individual infant assessment, not the purchasing specification.

Count the work after the light is switched off

Map who orders the next test, where the sample is collected, who receives the result and how a family is contacted. A follow-up appointment without a results owner is an incomplete process. Include weekend and out-of-hours arrangements in the service review.

Use a workload model with separate components

Start with local numbers of treatment episodes and repeat episodes. Add the actual time needed for cleaning, inspection and allocation to the next patient. Keep this operational time separate from the clinician-directed treatment interval. Review peaks as well as averages before deciding how many usable units are needed.

Test a delayed-result scenario

During a tabletop exercise, assume that the scheduled result is late and the usual device is unavailable. Identify who assesses the infant, what approved alternative is available and how the decision is documented. This exposes capacity gaps that a nominal lamp count misses.

Procurement comparison

Decision before ordering

Review these inputs after the service starts. A shorter average treatment interval should only change the equipment plan when the clinical team confirms that follow-up and repeat-treatment capacity remain adequate.