Biomedical subjects

B Lehaney

Publications and source records attributed to B Lehaney.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Simulating hospital patient flows.

This case study development has benefited by the use of clear on-screen logic which has facilitated useful discussions between the analyst and end-users. The screen displays enable a realistic depiction of a system to be developed. A simple first model was gradually made more realistic in a step-by-step process involving both analyst and end-users. The investigation is continuing and the model is being further refined. Data collection is underway, and system data will be used to provide the model's input parameters of arrival and service rates. Times and lengths of queues of patients and total time in the system will be compared with their model equivalents. The resulting model is likely to be acceptable to the end-users because of their involvement in its development. This involvement has been facilitated by a simulation environment which enables on-screen iconic representations of system components to be created by analyst and end-user together.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗

PubMed1995

Simulation modelling for resource allocation and planning in the health sector.

This paper provides a review of the use of simulation for resource planning in the health sector. Case examples of simulation in health are provided, and the modelling problems are explored. The successes and failures of simulation modelling in this context are examined, and an approach for improving the processes, and outcomes, by the use of soft systems methodology, is suggested.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1994

Using soft systems methodology to develop a simulation of out-patient services.

Discrete event simulation is an approach to modelling a system in the form of a set of mathematical equations and logical relationships, usually used for complex problems, which are difficult to address by using analytical or numerical methods. Managing out-patient services is such a problem. However, simulation is not in itself a systemic approach, in that it provides no methodology by which system boundaries and system activities may be identified. The investigation considers the use of soft systems methodology as an aid to drawing system boundaries and identifying system activities, for the purpose of simulating the outpatients' department at a local hospital. The long term aims are to examine the effects that the participative nature of soft systems methodology has on the acceptability of the simulation model, and to provide analysts and managers with a process that may assist in planning strategies for health care.

Ambulatory Care↗