Modeling in Healthcare: Selection of Simulation Types

Abstract

The nature of the healthcare system is crucial and requires health authorities worldwide to ensure every decision is made correctly and efficiently. Simulation modeling which is among the decision-making techniques, is generally used to represent the real systems of healthcare for the authorities to evaluate prior to any modification. A holistic understanding of the issues related to simulation types in healthcare is required. This paper reviews and summarizes publications related to various types of computer simulation tools in the healthcare domain, using the Scopus database. Based on healthcare applications and issues, this paper finalized five main types of simulations: 1) discrete-event simulation; 2) system dynamics; 3) agent-based modeling; 4) Monte Carlo simulation; and 5) hybrid systems. All of these types have continued to contribute to healthcare simulation modelling in recent years and more are expected in the future. In general, this review argues that future studies should focus on framework development that will support the selection of simulation types based on the problem.