MedModel
What is Healthcare Process Simulation?
Healthcare Process Simulation: A Primer
Process Simulations are dynamic computer software tools that enable hospitals to conduct accurate, objective predictive analyses of the effects of process improvements, facilities changes, and new designs prior to implementation. Process Simulation essentially allows you to “tear the roof off the building”, examine the working environment, and “reach down and turn the dials” on the processes to see the effects of change, so as to fully understand the effects on the entire system prior to implementation. Since often no single solution is adequate to solve complex issues, Process Simulation allows you to fully understand the full effects of multiple, complex changes before they are implemented.
We know from experience that “Best Practices” don’t always equal “Best results” because the upstream and downstream effects of the changes have not been fully accounted for, measured, and anticipated. Therefore, the results of Best Practices are sometimes stunted by upstream and downstream process barriers. Even worse, when making complex changes and multiple implementations, the results are often impossible to predict accurately using conventional tools such as spreadsheets and flowcharts, making consensus on improvements ideas difficult to attain.
Process Simulation tools allow for unprecedented predictive analysis and a complete understanding of the effects of even the most complex process changes. Thus the technology allows the user to:
- Simplify even the most complex problems
- See key issues and results of change more clearly
- Make better and more objective decisions
Accuracy
By taking into account variability and interdependencies of processes, the complexity of multiple inter-related processes, and the effects of change over time, ProModel Healthcare simulation is very accurate and objective. It is so accurate (documented accuracy versus real-life as high as 99%) that they become highly functional and reliable predictive analysis and ongoing CPI (continuous process improvement) tools.
Complexity
Because of the robustness of the technology, simulations can account for many variables and processes simultaneously, enabling a customer to build the complexity of their scenario(s) into a useable format for decision-making. ProModel simulations have replicated systems containing thousands of concurrent variables. Thus the technology allows the user to:
- Simplify even the most complex problems
- See key issues and results of change more clearly
- Make better and more objective decisions
Decision Support
Simulations are accurate and objective predictive analysis tools. And since they allow you to get to answers you might otherwise not attain, they become valuable decision support tools for management. By analysing everything from patient flow to wait times to staff utilisation, simulations allow management a better overall view of systems and operations. Their objectivity allows for solid decision-making with objective criteria.
Examples of Simulation Usage:
- Patient flow
- Patient wait-times
- Staff utilisation
- Process flow and bottlenecks
- Patient access
- Complex solutions to multiple issues
- Staffing mix analysis
- Patient acuity studies
- Cost and revenue enhancement
Areas where simulation has been used:
- Emergency Departments
- Bed Management
- Labs
- Radiology
- Patient Transfers
- Outpatient clinics
- LDR/LDRP
- Process and paperwork flow
- Conceptual design of new facilities
- Facility expansion (which ones and where)
- Overall system staffing requirements
- Overall system patient flow
- Cost and revenue analysis
Project value is greatly enhanced when the developed simulation is used beyond the initial project by the hospital staff to evaluate scenarios and make continuous process improvement. Local understanding and involvement greatly facilitates change management and the probability that project recommendations will be successfully implemented and real value obtained.
Value of the Use of Simulation Solutions
The value created with an effective Process Simulation engagement can typically be in the millions of dollars and the benefits may include:
- Decreased LOS and wait times by as much as 40% - from at least 20 minutes up to hours savings
- Decreased LWOT’s by 5% to 30%
- Increased throughput capacity of existing facility by over 15,000 patient annually while maintaining existing staff levels and LOS
- Decreased Radiology turn-around time by nearly 40%
- Decreased lab turn-around time
- Improved design and process flow before plans were finalised
For a typical model and implementation, the simulation efforts frequently uncover the following:
- Hidden process issues and problems
- Staffing inefficiencies
- Non-value-added and redundant processes
- Room and resource allocation problems
- Bottlenecks and capacity constraints
- Under- and over-utilised resources, rooms, and staff
- Ancillary issues such as issues with radiology, lab or transfers