Linking approaches for multi-methods simulation in healthcare systems planning and management

Abstract

This paper reviews the different forms of integrated simulation approaches and their applications in healthcare systems. Integrated simulation approaches can be defined as the use of two or more individual simulation methods in modelling and solving a single problem or application; including discrete-event simulation (DES), agent-based simulation (ABS) and system dynamics (SD). This paper considers the available simulation methods and how they are utilised in healthcare integrated simulation models. There are two types of simulation software, individual method packages and multi-methods simulation packages. Although the integrated simulation approaches help in capturing the inherited complexity of healthcare systems, but until today, its implementation in this context is still very limited. Also, we summarise some challenges for modellers using integrated approaches. Finally, some possible ways for linking different simulation methods in a multi-methods simulation environment are illustrated with examples.