Projects
1.1.2007
Manager: Michael Thorwarth Contact Email: |
Objectives:
• Develop a simulation model of the current emergency department to investigate potential scenarios
Description:
The internal dynamics of emergency departments (ED) in Irish hospitals represent complex non-linear stochastic systems with an environment of uncertainty, variability and limited resources. Planning and managing such systems pose overwhelming demands. To improve operations, patient service, resource planning, and real-time reaction to unexpected events, sophisticated tools to efficiently achieve these goals must be applied. Advanced solution techniques (e.g. simulation and optimisation) have been successfully applied in manufacturing operations to improve the delivery, cost-effectiveness and service quality. Yet, random arrival of patients, limited resources and multitasking are challenges in EDs that add more complexity to this critical area. To investigate the dynamics within an ED a comprehensive simulation model is built, which represents the interaction of the medical staff with the patient pathways. This approach allows to thoroughly investigating impacts of scenarios on either side of the participants – patients as well as medical staff.