title: An introduction to patient flow simulation for health-care managers.
abstract: Simulation of patient flow is a remarkably useful management tool. With today's software for personal computers, simulation is no longer just for academics and consultants. Senior and mid-level managers should actively seek out simulation as a problem-solving technique. This article provides health-care managers with the fundamental knowledge needed to individually initiate simulation studies of their departments.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Mahachek
mesh_terms: D000555:Ambulatory Care Information Systems; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003253:Consultants; D003660:Decision Support Systems, Management; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011340:Problem Solving; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States