Systems modelling and simulation in health service design, delivery and decision making

TLDR

Health service resource pressures are driving policymakers toward system modelling, yet despite decades of research, its application in health services remains limited. This article surveys the breadth of modelling approaches that support delivery and design across multiple healthcare planning levels. The authors review available modelling techniques and discuss key implementation barriers and future developments. A case study in emergency stroke care illustrates the impactful application of health system modelling.

Abstract

The ever increasing pressures to ensure the most efficient and effective use of limited health service resources will, over time, encourage policy makers to turn to system modelling solutions. Such techniques have been available for decades, but despite ample research which demonstrates potential, their application in health services to date is limited. This article surveys the breadth of approaches available to support delivery and design across many areas and levels of healthcare planning. A case study in emergency stroke care is presented as an exemplar of an impactful application of health system modelling. This is followed by a discussion of the key issues surrounding the application of these methods in health, what barriers need to be overcome to ensure more effective implementation, as well as likely developments in the future.