A simulation-based approach for decision-support in healthcare processes

Abstract

This article explores the application of simulation-driven decision support systems in the context of healthcare processes. The findings obtained from the review of related research suggest that simulation models have been widely used in the healthcare sector as valuable tools to aid decision-making aimed at the improvement of healthcare process management. However, the analyzed works lack sufficient evidence regarding the utilization of systematic approaches in the development of their proposals. We have conducted a research effort in this field, resulting in the design of a conceptual framework that guides in the systematic development of decision support systems centered around simulation models. The framework includes a specific methodology for developing simulation models, with simulation modeling experimentation serving as a valuable technique for assessing the impact of potential changes on the performance of the process. To illustrate the applicability and practical value of the proposed framework, we have developed an application case within the context of the Urgent Healthcare for Women’s (UHW) process in a public hospital in Andalusia, Spain.