Simulation modelling techniques for managing epidemic outbreak: A review, classification schemes, and meta-analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the knowledge base for simulation modelling techniques that have been used extensively in the literature to tackle the epidemic outbreak. In this paper, 79 articles are identified and reviewed between 2005 and 2020 to understand many problems related to the spread of the disease, scarce resource management, and the influence of mitigation strategies to contain the epidemic outbreak. The objective is to recognise the importance of simulation modelling techniques to effectively handle these problems and discuss how and when a particular technique can be used to provide satisfactory solutions for difficulties posed by an epidemic outbreak. This paper presents a literature review, classification schemes, and a simple meta-analysis to help decision-makers make informed decisions to curtail the epidemic outbreak. © 2022 The Operational Research Society.