The importance of discrete event simulation as a methodology for per-formance evaluation in the emergency department

Abstract

Emergency Departments (ED) face the challenge of providing high-quality patient care under difficult conditions due to staff shortages or overcrowding. These challenges mean that more than ever, ED need to find ways to provide high-quality patient care despite limited resources and bottlenecks. Process analysis using Discrete Event Simulation (DES), taking into account performance-related assessment indicators, can help to improve patient care and resource utilization of staff and infrastructure. Based on process observations, interviews and time studies, a process model was developed in a general hospital ED to realistically simulate workflows. The results allow the assumption that digital technologies and an increase in staff capacity can reduce length of stay and waiting times for patients while improving staff distribution and infrastructure utilization. The study suggests that DES has great potential for use as a performance evaluation tool in the ED. In times of increasing digitalization, the potential of artificial intelligence in the context of process improvements, but also the challenges of this technology, must be given greater consideration.