https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2024.12562
The importance of discrete event simulation as a methodology for performance evaluation in the emergency department
Submitted: 12 April 2024
Accepted: 1 August 2024
Published: 9 August 2024
Accepted: 1 August 2024
Abstract Views: 3347
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
Emergency Departments (ED) face the challenge of providing high-quality patient care under difficult conditions due to staff shortages or overcrowding. These challenges mean that more than ever, ED need to find ways to provide high-quality patient care despite limited resources and bottlenecks. Process analysis using Discrete Event Simulation (DES), taking into account performance-related assessment indicators, can help to improve patient care and resource utilization of staff and infrastructure. Based on process observations, interviews and time studies, a process model was developed in a general hospital ED to realistically simulate workflows. The results allow the assumption that digital technologies and an increase in staff capacity can reduce length of stay and waiting times for patients while improving staff distribution and infrastructure utilization. The study suggests that DES has great potential for use as a performance evaluation tool in the ED. In times of increasing digitalization, the potential of artificial intelligence in the context of process improvements, but also the challenges of this technology, must be given greater consideration.
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How to Cite
Angler, Y., Lossin, A., & Goetz, O. (2024). The importance of discrete event simulation as a methodology for performance evaluation in the emergency department. Emergency Care Journal. https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2024.12562
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