Economics of modeling and simulation: Reflections and implications for healthcare

Abstract

Arguably, it is widely known that there is much activity in modeling & simulation (M&S) in healthcare, particularly in decision support and analysis for care delivery systems (CDS). This is supported by recent literature surveys. However, there is limited evidence of reported cost, success and impact. To attempt to investigate the so-FDOOHG µHFRQRPLFV ¶ RI 0 6 LQ WKLV DUHD WKLV SDSHU DLPV WR GHSLFW D JHQHUDO SLcture of the economics of M&S supported by available evidence and to develop an initial set of guidelines using a novel framework that may assist decision makers in assessing the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of M&S. Our paper concludes with an urgent call for research in this area, specifically in terms of using standardized qualitative and quantitative methods to gather evidence for analysis and dissemination mate-ULDOV WKDW µVSHDN ¶ WR JRYHUQPHQW-level policy makers.

Causal factors of low stakeholder engagement: a survey of expert opinions in the context of healthcare simulation projects

“…While there has been much activity there particularly on system utilization, policy decision support and public health, 3 limited evidence of implementation exists. [3][4][5][6] An example to demonstrate the potential, however, is presented by Roberts et al, 7 where it is reported that by simulating changes to the current care pathway of end-stage renal disease, shifts from medical center dialysis to either home dialysis or cadaver donor transplantation would save US$284 million per year. The literature demonstrates the application of different simulation methods-mostly Monte Carlo simulation, discrete event simulation, system dynamics (SD), and agent-based simulation-in healthcare.…”

Capacity Planning for Maternal–Fetal Medicine Using Discrete Event Simulation

“…The results of the experimentation should be analyzed in conjunction with financial implications. 8,28 To accurately determine the benefit of adding additional beds, the cost to the center of those beds versus the increased patient capacity and increased revenue would need to be analyzed. Before capacity changes are implemented, the point at which increasing bed capacity offers diminishing marginal returns both from a financial standpoint and a capacity standpoint would need to be determined.…”

Key performance indicators for successful simulation projects

“…Lack of familiarity and awareness about the simulation capacity and benefits appears to be playing a key role in this (Murphy and Perera, 2002). Little effort has been made to generate and collect evidence on the cost/benefit assessment of simulation projects (Jahangirian et al, 2010) and to present that in an effective way to the community of management practitioners. A need for an integration of simulation training within the management curriculum, especially in the European countries, is also evident (Murphy and Perera, 2002).…”