Modeling and analyzing a physician clinic environment using discrete-event (visual) simulation

Abstract

This paper examines the design and development of a discrete-event (visual) simulation model of a physician clinic environment within a physician network. Biological & Popular Culture, Inc. (Biopop) sought to partner with healthcare professionals to provide high-quality, cost-effective medical care within a physician network setting. Towards this end, a discrete-event (visual) simulation model that captures both the operations of a family practice healthcare clinic and a centralized information center is presented. The research presented in this article focuses on the family practice healthcare clinic. This simulation model is built in an object-oriented, visual manner utilizing the visual simulation environment (VSE). Application of the object-oriented paradigm (OOP) allows simulation objects in the model to be easily reused. The simulation model provides a tool for risk-free evaluation of operating policies in the clinical environment. Results of a fractional factorial design to determine those input factors which significantly affect overall clinic effectiveness are reported. Scope and purpose With increased pressures from governmental and insurance agencies, today's physician devotes less time to patient care and more time to administration. To alleviate this problem, Biological & Popular Culture, Inc. (Biopop) proposed the building of partnerships with healthcare professionals to provide high-quality, cost-effective medical care in a physician network setting. The proposed physician network is to be composed of clinics (i.e., outpatient medical facilities where patient care is delivered) located throughout the United States. Member clinics would benefit from centrally managed non-medical operations and business consultation from Biopop. Biopop's overall goal is to increase patient flow and customer satisfaction in the clinical environment. To assist Biopop in evaluating potential operating procedures, a discrete-event simulation model has been constructed. The model is built in an object-oriented, visual manner utilizing Orca Computer, Inc.'s visual simulation environment (VSE). The model examines both internal Biopop operations and external clinic operations. The research presented herein describes how the simulation model was designed and built, including the verification, validation, and testing procedures applied. Results of simulation experiments run on the clinical environment using the simulation model are also reported. The results of these computer runs suggest ways in which healthcare clinics can be redesigned, without sacrificing service levels or profitability of the facility.