Layout Evaluation by Simulation Protocol for Identifying Potential Inefficiencies Created by Medical Building Configuration
Abstract
With the healthcare industry in a state of change, one focus is on efficiency in the healthcare environment. The trend for architects is a focus on an evidence-based design decision making process. In this context, simulation is gaining acceptance as a source of evidence. This research developed the Layout Evaluation by Simulation (LES) protocol to evaluate the design of a healthcare facility layout. The approach contains a Systems-of-Systems analysis for developing a healthcare delivery (HD) model, a computer model and simulation of an existing medical facility validated by existing data. Then simulations are run through the validated model inserting the future facility design to evaluate efficiency in a proposed new spatial layout. Through a real-world case study, the research contains an evaluation of the predictive capacity of the LES protocol. In the research, a completely Agent Based Modeling and Simulation, a completely Discrete Event Simulation, and a hybrid were investigated. As detail was added to all models, simulations were run creating a matrix of results for comparison to existing data. The LES protocol was confirmed to be effective. The results demonstrate that the healthcare delivery (HD) model provides a sufficient basis from which to develop the computer model and simulation. The LES protocol is a valuable tool for evaluating situations for emergent behavior. The research also confirmed the need for some degree of agent based modeling to detect emergent behavior.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Dunston, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering|Design
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