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Is simulation in health different?

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Journal of the Operational Research Society

Abstract

It is often stated that health simulation is quite different and even that it is more difficult than in other sectors. But is simulation in health really different to simulation elsewhere? In this paper we explore this question through a survey of simulation modellers and academics. We elicit their opinions across a range of factors concerning the difficulties of health modelling against modelling in other domains. The analysis considers the responses of the whole group of respondents and the sub-group of respondents who have experience both in and outside of health modelling. The results show that overall, there is a perception that health modelling is different and that it is more difficult across a range of factors. The implications for simulation research and practice in health are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Lakshman Aram (MSc student from Warwick Business School) for his help in the construction of the questionnaire. This paper is adapted and extended from Tako and Robinson (2012).

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Correspondence to Stewart Robinson.

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Tako, A., Robinson, S. Is simulation in health different?. J Oper Res Soc 66, 602–614 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2014.25

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