Usability Evaluation of a Discrete Event-based Visual Hospital Management Simulator

Abstract

Hospital Management is a complex and dynamic organisational challenge. Hospital managers (HMs) are responsible for the effective use of valuable resources and assets, which is a significant issue in healthcare. Due to factors such as the increase in health care costs and political pressure, HMs have been compelled to examine new ways to improve efficiency and reduce healthcare delivery costs whilst improving patient satisfaction. Healthcare managers require tools that will allow them to review the current system or identify areas of improvement and quantify the possible changes. This paper covers an evaluation of a hospital simulator developed by the authors. A usability test of the simulator was carried out with hospital managers to provide real-world feedback on the simulator. This has provided lessons to be applied in the development and use of such a tool. For instance, use of traffic light colours in assisting management of hospital areas and Sensitivity Analysis supporting multiple or more complex scenarios.