Simulation in health care management: Modelling an outpatient clinic – an example of how simulation can assist in the improvement of health care management

Improving the management of health care is a complex business. This article introduces the reader to simulation modelling, one technique that can possibly aid health care management by facilitating informed debate between interested parties and demonstrate the consequences of different possible courses of action. We present an overview of how simulation was used to investigate the reduction of waiting times in an outpatient clinic. The aim of the case study is to provide an illustration of the possible uses of simulation modelling in health care management.