title: Predicting the impact of a new information system on workflow using a discrete event simulation.
abstract: Computer simulation of an information system prior to its implementation can predict time and workflow changes in a hospital department, while offering a common ground of communication across various levels in the organization. Often, the simulation can predict unexpected effects of changes to the work environment and allow experimentation with alternative scenarios at minimal cost to the department or the organization. In this paper we describe a discrete-event simulation experiment that predicted an unexpected increase in routine specimen processing time with the introduction of an information system in the HLA tissue typing lab at a major transplant center. The computer simulation enabled the reallocation of existing staff prior to the system implementation.
authors.affiliation: Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, 8084 Forbes Tower, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. bartce@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Christa E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Bartos
authors.forename: Milena K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Nigam
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Fridsma
authors.forename: Cynthia S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Gadd
mesh_terms: D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000276:immunology; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010414:Pennsylvania; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014015:Tissue Banks