Planning urban health facilities: A computer simulation approach to delivery room utilization

Abstract

The planning of Urban Health Facilities is examined with respect to predicting the number of obstetrical delivery rooms needed as a function of varying levels of demand for service. A simulation model using the GPSS language is developed which permits construction of a more representative model and eliminating certain restrictive assumptions found in other analytical models. Recommendations regarding the number of delivery rooms are given. Facility utilization statistics for various demand levels and system configurations are developed uniquely in the computer simulation.