DGHPSim: Supporting smart thinking to improve hospital performance

Abstract

DGHPSim is a suite of discrete event simulation models that enable managers and clinicians to investigate improvement scenarios for UK general hospitals. The models were developed in Micro Saint Sharp and are configured using hospital data and nationally available health episode statistics. The models can be separately but function best as a single, overall system model that allow users to develop understanding of the interaction effects of possible changes. An example of the use of DGHPSim is given, using UK NHS data, demonstrating how it can be used to investigate improvement options whilst keeping an eye on side effects.