Health Care Evaluation Using Computer Simulation

The purpose of this book is to place computer simulation studies within the paradigm of intervention research that is concerned with comparing the outcomes of health care delivered under different policies. This book presents computer simulation as a tool for testing various policy alternatives that have been developed by decision-makers within health care systems. This approach differs from the use of computer simulation in operations research, where simulation helps determine the configurations of a system that will allow it to function optimally. Although simulation of health care processes is not new, few health care systems have used simulations as a basis for re-engineering the delivery of health services. There is growing appreciation that the complexity of health care processes exceeds the capacity of individual disciplines–health services research, health economics, or operations research–to guide health care reform. In this book, the authors focus on bringing the methodological rigor of evaluative research to the design and analysis of such simulation studies. The book is intended as a reference for health services researchers. It offers a comprehensive description of the methodology of conducting simulation studies in evaluation of service alternatives in surgical care using discrete-event models, including the steps for identifying the clinical and managerial activities of the perioperative process, determining the model requirements, implementing simulation models, designing simulation experiments and analyzing the experimental data, and interpreting and reporting results. The book also offers examples of specific aspects of conducting simulation experiments: how to determine the number of runs needed to estimate the effect of implementing a health care policy; how to allocate the number of runs to study groups in simulation experiments aiming to evaluate policy or management alternatives; and how to use statistical analysis to estimate, interpret, and report effect sizes.

Innovative 2nd edition, heavily updated and revised from the 1st edition Introduction to various survey and evaluation methods involving IT systems in the healthcare setting Critical overview of current research in health and social sciences Emphasizes multi-method approach to system evaluation Includes instruments suitable for research and evaluation Discusses computer programs for data analysis and evaluation resources Essential reference for anyone involved in planning, developing, implementing, utilizing, evaluating, or studying computer-based health care systems

This book presents simulation as an essential, powerful tool to develop the best possible healthcare system for patients. It provides vital insights into the necessary steps for supporting and enhancing medical care through the simulation methodology. Organized into four sections, the book begins with a discussion on the overarching principles of simulation and systems. Section two then delves into the practical applications of simulation, including developing new workflows, utilizing new technology, building teamwork, and promoting resilience. Following this, section three examines the transition of ideas and initiatives into everyday practices. Chapters in this section analyze complex interpersonal topics such as how healthcare clinical stakeholders, simulationists, and experts who are non-clinicians can collaborate. The closing section explores the potential future directions of healthcare simulation, as well as leadership engagement. A new addition to the Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation Series, Improving Healthcare Systems stimulates the critical discussion of new and innovative concepts and reinforces well-established and germane principles.

This practical guide provides a focus on the implementation of healthcare simulation operations, as well as the type of professional staff required for developing effective programs in this field. Though there is no single avenue in which a person pursues the career of a healthcare simulation technology specialist (HSTS), this book outlines the extensive knowledge and variety of skills one must cultivate to be effective in this role. This book begins with an introduction to healthcare simulation, including personnel, curriculum, and physical space. Subsequent chapters address eight knowledge/skill domains core to the essential aspects of an HSTS. To conclude, best practices and innovations are provided, and the benefits of developing a collaborative relationship with industry stakeholders are discussed. Expertly written text throughout the book is supplemented with dozens of high-quality color illustrations, photographs, and tables. Written and edited by leaders in the field, Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Operations, Technology, and Innovative Practice is optimized for a variety of learners, including healthcare educators, simulation directors, as well as those looking to pursue a career in simulation operations as healthcare simulation technology specialists.

Written by a leading team from the Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare (ASSH), Simulation Australasia, Healthcare Simulation Education is a new resource for a rapidly expanding professional healthcare simulation community. Designed as a core reference for educators who use simulation as an educational method, it outlines theory, evidence and research relevant to healthcare simulation. Containing examples of innovations from around the world, the book offers opportunities to make clear connections between the underlying rationale for the use of simulation, and what this looks like in practice. Healthcare Simulation Education: Helps readers gain a systematic understanding of theory and application of simulation Facilitates access to high quality resources to support healthcare simulation education and research Edited by a leading team from the Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare (ASSH), the leading body for healthcare simulation in Australia Contains information on educational theory, the elements of simulation practice and contemporary issues in simulation An important text in healthcare literature and practice, Healthcare Simulation Education provides a unique cross-disciplinary overview of an innovative subject area, and is ideal for medical, nursing and allied health educators, policy makers and researchers.

Here is the first book to respond to the growing movement towards clinical simulations in health care education. It provides all of the guidance needed to make an informed decision about whether to begin using patient simulators . describes how to develop and operate a simulation center . and discusses how to design educational and assessment simulations that reflect specific educational curricula. Features the expertise of three authorities who have extensive experience in working with the University of Louisville School of Medicine's Dr. John M. and Dorothy Paris Simulation Center-one of the leading medical simulation centers in the world. Explains the value of simulation for a variety of healthcare disciplines and discusses which types of simulations are most relevant for each field. Discusses the resources (space, personnel, equipment) needed to establish a simulation program. Evaluates the specific simulation products that are currently available. Details the "nuts and bolts" of preparing relevant "patients" and scenarios. Describes applications for assessment, certification, and re-certification. Presents an overview of future trends in simulation (such as virtual reality simulations) and discusses issues related to planning for simulation center growth.

This is the first book to make all the central concepts of discrete event simulation relevant for health technology assessment. Accessible to beginners, the book requires no prerequisites and describes the concepts with as little jargon as possible. It presents essential concepts, a fully worked out implementation example, approaches to analyze the simulations, the development of the required equations, model verification techniques, and validation. The book also covers various special topics and includes a real case study involving screening strategies for breast cancer surveillance.