Getting started in simulation in healthcare

To begin using simulation in healthcare, one must first recognize the types of problems or decisions that can best be analyzed using simulation. Once a problem has been identified, a well-established series of steps for attacking a simulation problem should be followed. The first half of the discussion will focus on identifying applications, to help identify the problems amenable to solution by simulation. Specifically, a description of applications in the following two major categories is provided: (1) "analytic" decisions with uncertain components; and (2) comparison of alternative systems for determining resource or scheduling requirements. The second half of the discussion includes recommendations for some of the steps in conducting a healthcare simulation project, including model building; data collection, setting assumptions, and documentation; validation; reporting results; and implementation.