Simulation Modeling for Psychiatric Service Planning: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Operations Research
• Mental Health Informatics

Background:

• Mental health service managers face challenges in optimizing care delivery across large service areas due to a historical lack of accessible decision-making tools.
• While epidemiological data for mental illness is more available, translating this into actionable insights for managers remains a significant hurdle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simulation modeling tool enabling managers to virtually explore diverse service configurations.
• To predict the cost and quality implications of various mental health care delivery models.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, mixed-methods case study approach was employed in Australia.
• Simulation models were developed in partnership with senior mental health managers using Arena software.
• Evaluation involved thematic and content analyses of interviews, observations, and documents.

Main Results:

• Three prototype simulation models have been developed and presented to stakeholders.
• Data collection, including 18 evaluation interviews, has been ongoing since late 2013.
• The project is scheduled for completion in late 2018.

Conclusions:

• Simulation modeling offers a powerful method for integrating patient data to inform mental health service delivery decisions.
• The study provides insights into the effective implementation of simulation modeling within real-world healthcare organizations.