Article ID: | iaor20164120 |
Volume: | 5 |
Issue: | 3 |
Start Page Number: | 166 |
End Page Number: | 177 |
Publication Date: | Oct 2016 |
Journal: | Health Syst |
Authors: | Howick Susan, Morgan Jennifer Sian, Belton Val |
Keywords: | planning, simulation: applications |
Mixing Operational Research (OR) methods is becoming more commonplace. Discrete‐Event Simulation (DES) and System Dynamics (SD) are popular modelling methods previously applied to a range of situations for various purposes, which are starting to be mixed in healthcare. However, the practicalities of mixing DES and SD in practice remain unclear. Radiotherapy treatment is a complex multi‐stage process where technology and best practice continue to evolve. This paper describes a project undertaken to explore the treatment planning process using mixed OR methods. It presents insights obtained through mixing OR methods within a real‐world project. The model development process, the role of each modelling method and the benefits of undertaking a mixed OR methods project design are described. Lessons for mixing DES and SD, and more generally mixing OR methods, are discussed.