Simulation based analysis of ectopic pregnancy treatment process to support process redesign

Many healthcare delivery processes are managed according to deep-rooted rules and process redesign is challenging. Simulation can provide evidence to support redesign decisions. However, introducing simulation in organizations having limited previous experience with the method requires a lot of effort. In the case study reported, it is proposed to use business process based simulation. A business process is constructed jointly with domain experts and a simulation model is created directly from the business process model, where simulation specific features are represented in sub-processes. That streamlines model validation and communication of modeling results with stakeholders. Business process simulation is used to compare ambulatory treatment and hospitalization in the case of ectopic pregnancy treatment. Simulation results show that the ambulatory treatment should be adopted according to the cost minimization criterion. However, appropriate measures should be taken to mitigate potential negative effects exhibiting in the simulation results as an increase of waiting time.