Before introducing a new drug, device, or redesigned service
pathway, healthcare buyers and providers need to test the impact
of these interventions on patient outcomes, cost, activity
levels, and resources before they can be implemented. However
compelling the clinical evidence, decision-makers will always
want to understand the impact in relation to their own
organisation and responsibilities. Simulation really helps
decision-makers to understand these impacts. A simulation is a
computer model that mimics the operation of a real or proposed
system, such as a patient care pathway or a hospital outpatient
clinic. The simulation is time based and takes into account all
the resources and constraints involved, as well as the way these
things interact with each other as time passes. Simulation also
builds in the randomness you would see in real life. With
simulation software you can quickly try out your ideas at a
fraction of the cost of trying them in real life and with no
risk to patients. Simulation has been h