Simulation modelling to replace lengthy report writing in NHS

Several UK hospitals use simulation modelling technology

Several UK hospitals have begun to use simulation modelling solutions to monitor patient admissions and discharges in A&E and radiology departments, wards and theatres.

Imperial College London has used the technology to monitor patient flow at its A&E centre, and Hillingdon and Portsmouth hospitals have used it for ward modelling.

In addition, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh – an Orthopaedic Trust – has used the modelling solution for its theatres, as has Sheffield's radiology department.

The Witness technology simulation software was developed by business process improvement company Lanner Group, and delivered to hospitals in partnership with NHS advisory organisation Frontline.

The solution helps hospitals ensure that there are as few bottlenecks as possible and that staff and equipment are deployed where they are most needed and at the right time.

“It enables you to look at how work flows through a department,” explained Andrew Butters, associate director and head of healthcare at Frontline.

“So you can look at the levels of staff and demand and model changing patterns of need. It will recognise the big bulge in demand within accident and emergency on a Saturday night, for example.

"The software can convert the information into data that can be used to make decisions, such as how much floor area will be needed, how many staff are required and how much money will be spent.”

Butters said that one financial director of a trust claimed that for him to run the modelling solution for three minutes will replace the need for him to write a 60-page report for presentation to the board. It “brings requirements to life”.

The cost of the solution depends on the scope of work required and the ease with which the information can be pulled from the hospital's databases and imported into the model.

“It will range from a few thousand pounds to, for a big project, tens of thousands. It depends on how many models and permutations the trust wants,” said Butters.

Lanner Group and Frontline are now looking to roll out the solution in care homes as well as hospitals.