Aggregate Model-Based Performance Analysis of an Emergency Department

Abstract

In this paper the authors present an aggregate simulation model for a real-life emergency department, which is based on the concept of effective process times and which uses a token system to model patients claiming multiple resources simultaneously. Although it has been developed for a specific hospital, the model is flexible, and capable to describe different settings. The modeling steps, model specification and model validation are explained in detail. By using a process-based simulation language, the resulting model is transparent, intuitive and easy to use in quantitatively and efficiently evaluating the effect of proposed changes in the operational processes of the emergency department on patient service levels and resource utilizations.