A model-driven framework for multi-paradigm modeling and holistic simulation of healthcare systems

Abstract

The domain of healthcare is characterized by a high degree of complexity and a diversity of perspectives, and modelers are often confronted with the challenge of formulating a simulation model that captures this complexity in a systematic and manageable manner. Most often, the diverse perspectives of healthcare systems are studied in isolation and using specific formalisms. As it turns out, answering questions concerning behavioral properties of the overall system becomes difficult and therefore not sufficient for an efficient design and analysis of the system under study. In this article, we propose a framework for multi-paradigm modeling and holistic simulation of healthcare systems. We present a modeling methodology with a plethora of formalisms to allow the modeler to choose an appropriate formalism at a given level of abstraction while model transformation relates the different formalisms. Furthermore, we develop an integrative approach for the interactions between models of different perspectives through dynamic update of model output-toparameter integration during concurrent simulations. Such an approach provides multiple levels of explanation for the same system, while offering, at the same time, an integrated view of the whole. The framework has successfully been applied to study part of the Nigerian healthcare system.

Advanced Cell-DEVS modeling applications: a legacy of Norbert Giambiasi

“…7 There are numerous tools, and some recent efforts include DesignDEVS, 75 DEVS-SOA, 76 PythonDEVS, 77 and others. [78][79][80] The tool allows models to be defined according to the specifications introduced in the previous section. DEVS atomic models can be incorporated into a class hierarchy in C++ .…”

Hybrid Simulation for Cyber Physical Systems - A Panel on where are we going regarding complexity, intelligence and adaptability of CPS using simulation

“…The "holy grail", as coined by Brailsford et al (2010) is referred to as an approach that combines different other approaches to provide a truly holistic systems view. The multi-perspective modeling and holistic simulation (MPMHS) approach can provide a helpful framework for that search (Djitog et al, 2017a;Djitog et al, 2017b).…”

“…The MPMHS approach has been formalized and applied to healthcare systems (Djitog et al, 2017a;Djitog et al, 2017b;Traoré et al, 2018). It is applicable to other forms of CPS as well.…”

A modeling framework for the application of multi-paradigm simulation methods

“…17 Therefore, integrating and/or combining different M&S approaches 12, 18, 19 has been viewed as a response to current challenges in managing, designing, and evaluating systems in various domains, such as in socio-technical systems, cyber-physical systems, 20 business, 21–24 and healthcare organizations. 4, 25–29…”

“…Although several hybrid M&S applications have been proposed and deployed in various domains, only a few published reports have been detected in the literature regarding the integrated deployment of the three aforementioned M&S paradigms concurrently (MPM deployment). Djitog et al 29 developed a model-driven framework for multi-paradigm M&S of healthcare systems. More recently, models produced by the three M&S approaches together are also presented in the literature.…”