Animated simulation: a valuable decision support tool for practice improvement.

Animated computer simulation is a powerful tool for healthcare operation improvement. As a decision support tool, it offers a systematic method to compare alternative approaches to healthcare operations. Because staff interaction is encouraged by this tool, simulation projects facilitate staff team building and process change ownership. Information that is not used as applied knowledge for the purpose of improvement is worthless. Simulation offers management detailed knowledge of processes, enabling management to make better-informed decisions by providing performance data, such as resource usage rates, patient wait times, capacity rates, and process performance information. Alternatives under consideration can be compared and modified without high financial, personal, and customer costs to the healthcare operation. The knowledge gained from each alternative's simulation response variables can be evaluated against set criteria, the status quo, and each other to determine the best option. Current automation systems and software products allow decision makers to use this tool without investing resources in errant options. A simulation project strategy with examples and a case study of change and renovation of a family practice clinic are provided.