Successful implementation of discrete event simulation: the case of an Italian emergency department

Abstract

This paper focuses on the study of a practical management problem faced by a healthcare {\it emergency department} (ED) located in the north of Italy. The objective of our study was to propose organisational changes in the selected ED, which admits approximately 7000 patients per month, aiming at improving key performance indicators related to patient satisfaction, such as the waiting time. Our study is based on a design thinking process that adopts a {\it discrete event simulation} (DES) model as the main tool for proposing changes. We used the DES model to propose and evaluate the impact of different improving scenarios. The model is based on historical data, on the observation of the current ED situation, and information obtained from the ED staff. The results obtained by the DES model have been compared with those related to the existing ED setting, and then validated by the ED managers. Based on the results we obtained, one of the tested scenarios was selected by the ED for implementation.