A facilitation workshop for the implementation stage: A case study in health care

Research on facilitation in discrete event simulation (DES) is gathering pace but there is still a need to put forward real examples to explain the process to newcomers. Most of the research has focussed on facilitation in the initial stages of the simulation modelling process. In this paper we focus on one of the postmodel coding stages. More specifically we focus on the implementation stage, the final stage in the modelling process. The primary contributions of this paper are the description of the process followed and the introduction of tools that can be used during this stage to support workshop activities. A real case study is provided describing the sequence of the interactions undertaken in the workshop. Extracts from the transcripts are also included, with the view to bringing evidence of the stakeholders’ involvement and their mood during the workshop. The paper concludes with a discussion on the process followed and the importance of using tools in this stage

A participative and facilitative conceptual modelling framework for discrete event simulation studies in healthcare

Existing approaches to conceptual modelling (CM) in discrete-event simulation (DES) do not formally support the participation of a group of stakeholders. Simulation in healthcare can benefit from stakeholder participation as it makes possible to share multiple views and tacit knowledge from different parts of the system. We put forward a framework tailored to healthcare that supports the interaction of simulation modellers with a group of stakeholders to arrive at a common conceptual model. The framework incorporates two facilitated workshops. It consists of a package including: three key stages and sub-stages; activities and guidance; tools and prescribed outputs. The CM framework is tested in a real case study of an obesity system. The benefits of using this framework in healthcare studies and more widely in simulation are discussed. The paper also considers how the framework meets the conceptual modeling requirements

Modeling patient waiting times for an obesity service: a computer simulation study

Objective: To investigate the impact of alternative resource configurations on patient waiting times for obesity centers experiencing high referral rates. Study design: We developed a computer simulation model of an obesity service in an Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) providing lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and surgery treatment options for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Data collection: Model parameters on existing and projected demand and supply of treatments offered at an obesity service were collected. Principal findings: Simulation results showed that the introduction of an additional surgeon improves patient waiting times for surgery. The addition of one physician reduces the waiting list for pharmacotherapy clinics, but without an additional surgeon, the surgical part of the pathway experiences long waiting times. Demand for the obesity treatments can be met by adding new resources, but also by managing demand for services and reducing referrals into the service. A phased implementation of resources was also modeled to guide decisions. Conclusions: Simulation models can be used to identify resource configurations required to meet maximum waiting time targets from referral to treatment such as the UK’s NHS 18 week target. This is achieved by considering a number of future scenarios

PartiSim Toolkit V2

The second edition of the toolbox, named PartiSim, describing the PartiSim approach and toolsets. PartiSim Version 2 reflects our current knowledge base resulting from our dissemination activity to academic journals and feedback received from further applications of the approach. The PartiSim toolbox provides a practical account of the participative and facilitative process rather than a theoretical account of facilitated simulation modelling. The PartiSim toolbox is aimed at both academics and practitioners and especially novice modellers who may require materials, in the form of guidance and tools, to assist them in the process of undertaking facilitated and participative simulation modelling. The toolbox materials can also be used in teaching facilitated and participative simulation modelling. The theories and methodologies underpinning the approach are not the focus of this dissemination effort. Therefore, the reader should not view this as an academic exercise but a compilation of practical guidance and tools to support the process of undertaking a PartiSim study. PartiSim V2 includes updates on the overall modelling process, the tools and manuals have been also improved to simplify the activities undertaken in the facilitated sessions and make it easier for its users to apply in their contexts. New in this edition is also the inclusion of forms which the users can complete in their facilitated sessions, if they wish to. With time, we hope to develop future editions of the toolbox (user guide and toolsets), based on our experience of applying it in further case studies and feedback received from other users, who may find the PartiSim approach suitable. Hence, any feedback from anyone with experience of PartiSim (users, participants or students) will be appreciated. The PartiSim approach was developed as part of an EPSRC funded project, which developed tools to support facilitated conceptual modelling. The project team included Kathy Kotiadis as Principal Investigator, Christos Vasilakis as Co-Investigator and Antuela Tako as Research Fellow. The ideas developed as part of the project on facilitated conceptual modelling were further developed to include all the stages of simulation modelling. The development of the toolbox, is part of the authors’ efforts, to promote and disseminate PartiSim as an approach to undertaking facilitated and participative simulation modelling

PartiSim Toolkit V1

This toolkit consists of the PartiSim User Guide, Toolset 1, Toolset 2, Toolset 3, Toolset 5 and Toolset 6. This is the first edition of the toolbox associated with the PartiSim approach. This toolbox is aimed at both academics and practitioners and especially novice modellers who may require materials, in the form of guidance and tools, to assist them in the process of undertaking facilitated and participative simulation modelling. However the toolbox materials can also be used in teaching facilitative and participative simulation modelling. The PartiSim approach was developed as part of an EPSRC funded project, which developed tools to support facilitated conceptual modelling. The project team included Kathy Kotiadis as Principal Investigator, Christos Vasilakis as Co-Investigator and Antuela Tako as Research Fellow. The ideas developed as part of the project on facilitated conceptual modelling were further developed to include all the stages of simulation modelling. The development of this toolbox is a post project effort to promote and disseminate the whole PartiSim approach. This dissemination effort provides a practical account of the participative and facilitative process rather than a theoretical account of facilitated simulation modelling. The theories and methodologies underpinning the approach are not the focus of this dissemination effort. Therefore, the reader should not view this as an academic exercise but a compilation of guidance and tools. The material included in this edition of the toolbox has been developed as a result of our experience and reflections of undertaking facilitated simulation modelling with real stakeholders. With time, we hope to improve the current edition of the toolbox (user guide and toolsets), based on our experience of applying it in further case studies or the experience of other users, who may find the PartiSim approach suitable. Hence, any feedback from third parties (users, participants or students) will be appreciated