Using Simulation Models as Early Strategic Decision Support in Health Care - Designing a Medical 3D Printing Center at Point of Care in Hospitals

Abstract

We present a scalable simulation model of a medical 3D printing center at point of care, which is used for early strategic decision making concerning its configuration. The model is part of an ongoing research initiative where 3D printing technology is designed and assessed for the purpose of producing patient specific medical devices at point of care. The model captures uncertainties in medical 3D printing technology, resulting yield, maintenance, clinical process, and organizational factors. Based on a set of defined scenarios capturing current and future demand including ramp up phases the model's performance can then be evaluated and used for estimating associated requirements and operational performance. We present the model itself, its underlying simplifications and assumptions as well as input data and several scenarios. The results and their impact on strategic decisions will also be discussed.