A simulation model for a same day care facility at a university hospital

Abstract

A simulation model was developed to evaluate the adequacy of the ambulatory care center space planned for the same-day care center at West Virginia University Medical Center. After thorough testing, the model was implemented, and results were obtained for different scenarios and modes of operation. Based on the results produced, officials at the hospital altered their original design and moved some of the services to the main hospital. After the study was performed, construction was completed for the outpatient care facility, and the same-day care unit was moved into it under the split service arrangement recommended from the analysis of the simulation results. After several months of operation, real-life results confirmed those predicted by the model. >