Simulating hospital patient flows

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Simulation Modeling
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Effective system development requires clear communication and realistic modeling.
• End-user involvement is crucial for model acceptance and utility.
• Simulation environments can bridge the gap between analysts and end-users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the benefits of a user-friendly simulation environment in developing a healthcare system model.
• To highlight the importance of collaborative development between analysts and end-users.
• To demonstrate a step-by-step refinement process for simulation models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simulation environment with clear on-screen logic and iconic representations.
• Employed a step-by-step approach to progressively enhance a simple model.
• Facilitated direct collaboration between analysts and end-users throughout development.

Main Results:

• The simulation environment enabled realistic system depictions and productive discussions.
• A collaborative, iterative process led to a refined and more realistic model.
• Ongoing data collection will validate model parameters against real-world system performance.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative development within an accessible simulation environment enhances model realism and user acceptance.
• On-screen logic and iconic representations are key facilitators for end-user engagement.
• The iterative refinement process, driven by user input, is vital for successful system modeling.