Factors affecting the implementation of simulation modelling in healthcare: A longitudinal case study evaluation

Abstract

Simulation modelling is becoming an increasingly popular tool in healthcare management, however published evaluations of simulation modelling are rare. This study therefore aimed to provide an empirical evaluation of simulation model implementation. The study used a qualitative, longitudinal case study approach, grounded in Pragmatism, complexity theory, and the critical incident approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 senior healthcare managers and 5 researchers during a simulation modelling project. Twenty-three critical incidents were identified, including changes in government policy and funding, organisational context, intervention activities, project management, and staffing. The analysis revealed a complex adaptive system, where the role of specific implementation factors changed over time, and through interaction with each other. Constant throughout was the agency displayed by participants in pursing their individual strategic goals. Based on these findings, we argue for a flexible definition of implementation success that allows for emergent project outcomes.

Keywords:

• Evaluation
• implementation
• healthcare
• complexity theory
• qualitative research
• case study
• simulation modelling

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the contribution of Dr Simon Albrecht as a doctoral supervisor for first author KL. We would also like to thank the Senior Leadership Group and Mental Health Program for their support of this research project.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no material personal interests to declare. Author GM led the investigator team on the project being evaluated, was a participant in the evaluation, and primary doctoral supervisor of KL.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Australian Research Council and administering and participating organisations under terms of ARC Grant LP110200061