| Article ID: | iaor19932276 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Volume: | 5 |
| Issue: | 3 |
| Start Page Number: | 20 |
| End Page Number: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | Jul 1992 |
| Journal: | OR Insight |
| Authors: | Parry R., Pitroda H. |
| Keywords: | simulation: applications |
The speed of flow of patients through a surgical unit and the use of resources, such as theatre time and beds, can have a complex relationship, but one that can be analysed using simulation models. These models aim to minic the day-to-day activities of admission, operation, transfer and discharge according to characteristics of the unit and patients being treated. ‘What-if’ analysis can be undertaken by making changes to assumptions about length of stay, the ward capacities or the number and timing of theatre sessions. Coopers & Lybrand have developed and used simulation models in a number of studies to evaluate different planning options.