Patient flow within UK emergency departments: a systematic review of the use of computer simulation modelling methods.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Overcrowding in the emergency department (ED) is common in the UK as in other countries worldwide. Computer simulation is one approach used for understanding the causes of ED overcrowding and assessing the likely impact of changes to the delivery of emergency care. However, little is known about the usefulness of computer simulation for analysis of ED patient flow. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the different computer simulation methods and their contribution for analysis of patient flow within EDs in the UK.

Methods

We searched eight bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, WEB OF SCIENCE, CINAHL, INSPEC, MATHSCINET and ACM DIGITAL LIBRARY) from date of inception until 31 March 2016. Studies were included if they used a computer simula

SUBMITTER: Mohiuddin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5566625 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature