FRAMEWORK FOR A HYBRID SIMULATION APPROACH FOR AN INTEGRATED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

There is a lack of integration of facility planning techniques in the design and layout of healthcare facilities. Computational models can be used to evaluate minimal distances or cost functions. Discrete event simulations can be used to model the stochastic nature of operations to check the impact on specific performance measures. Visualization can be used to immerse decision makers in the future environment to aid model validity, communication, and understanding. In this paper, we discuss three techniques: mathematical optimization, discrete event simulation, and virtual visualization, and present a framework for using them in an integrated hybrid simulation modeling approach in the healthcare planning process. We present objectives for the use of these techniques throughout the lifecycle in one unit of a healthcare facility. These techniques, while described in a healthcare context, have implications for other domains where uncertain and latent processes are components of the layout decision making process.