Simulation software: engineer processes before reengineering.
People make decisions all the time using intuition. But what happens when you are asked: "Are you sure your predictions are accurate? How much will a mistake cost? What are the risks associated with this change?" Once a new process is engineered, it is difficult to analyze what would have been different if other options had been chosen. Simulating a process can help senior clinical officers solve complex patient flow problems and avoid wasted efforts. Simulation software can give you the data you need to make decisions. The author introduces concepts, methodologies, and applications of computer aided simulation to illustrate their use in making decisions to improve workflow design.
Lepley
C J
CJ
Premier, Inc., Fort Worth, Tex., USA. clepley@airmail.net
D003198:Computer Simulation; D003660:Decision Support Systems, Management; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D015146:Midwestern United States; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D012984:Software