Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5599
Title: Development of modelling method selection tool for health services management: From problem structuring methods to modelling and simulation methods
Authors: Jun, GT
Morris, Z
Eldabi, T
Harper, P
Naseer, A
Patel, B
Clarkson, JP
Issue Date: 2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Citation: BMC Health Services Research 11: 108, May 2011
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is an increasing recognition that modelling and simulation can assist in the process of designing health care policies, strategies and operations. However, the current use is limited and answers to questions such as what methods to use and when remain somewhat underdeveloped. AIM: The aim of this study is to provide a mechanism for decision makers in health services planning and management to compare a broad range of modelling and simulation methods so that they can better select and use them or better commission relevant modelling and simulation work. METHODS: This paper proposes a modelling and simulation method comparison and selection tool developed from a comprehensive literature review, the research team's extensive expertise and inputs from potential users. Twenty-eight different methods were identified, characterised by their relevance to different application areas, project life cycle stages, types of output and levels of insight, and four input resources required (time, money, knowledge and data). RESULTS: The characterisation is presented in matrix forms to allow quick comparison and selection. This paper also highlights significant knowledge gaps in the existing literature when assessing the applicability of particular approaches to health services management, where modelling and simulation skills are scarce let alone money and time. CONCLUSIONS: A modelling and simulation method comparison and selection tool is developed to assist with the selection of methods appropriate to supporting specific decision making processes. In particular it addresses the issue of which method is most appropriate to which specific health services management problem, what the user might expect to be obtained from the method, and what is required to use the method. In summary, we believe the tool adds value to the scarce existing literature on methods comparison and selection.
Description: Copyright @ 2011 Jun et al - This article is made available through the Brunel University Open Access Publishing Fund
URI: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/11/108
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5599
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-11-108
ISSN: 1472-6963
Appears in Collections:Business and Management
Brunel Business School Research Papers

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
Fulltext.pdf913.53 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.