A Generic Framework for Hybrid Simulation in Healthcare

The use of simulation approaches for healthcare problems has received a great deal of attention recently. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and System Dynamics (SD) are two approaches to simulation modelling which are being widely used in healthcare. Both DES and SD model the behaviour of the system over time. Healthcare problems exhibit both detail and dynamic complexity. It has been argued that DES with its ability to capture detail is ideal for problems exhibiting this type of complexity. On the other hand, SD with its focus on feedback and nonlinear relationships lends itself naturally to comprehend dynamic complexity. Although both of these modelling paradigms provide valuable insights, neither of them are proficient in capturing both detail and dynamic complexity to the same extent. It has been argued in the literature that a hybrid approach, wherein SD and DES are integrated symbiotically, will provide a more realistic picture of complex systems. The appetite for hybrid simulation in the healthcare domain has been documented. This book provides a framework which provides step by step guidance for deploying hybrid simulation.