ORAHS2024
Abstract Submission

258. Applying a discrete event simulation tool across multiple cancer pathways and hospitals: challenges and benefits

Contributed abstract in session TD-3: Patient flow, stream Regular talks.

Tuesday, 16:00-17:30
Room: Room S2

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Amalia Gjerloev
Clinical Operational Research Unit, University College London
2. Sonya Crowe
UCL
3. Christina Pagel
Clinical Operational Research Unit, University College London
4. Yogini Jani
School of Pharmacy, University College London
5. Luca Grieco
Clinical Operational Research Unit, University College London

Abstract

Many European healthcare systems are increasingly challenged in delivering services to ever older and sicker populations. The Covid-19 pandemic made the situation worse, particularly in the UK where the NHS had little spare capacity and was forced to suspend many routine services during the height of the pandemic. Cancer services have been particularly impacted, with patients currently facing long waiting times and hospitals struggling to meet national performance targets. We developed a configurable discrete event simulation model of cancer pathways for use in partnership with hospital analysts. In this talk, we introduce the simulation tool and discuss successes and challenges in applying it to different cancer pathways across multiple London hospitals. The case studies we present feature varying levels of engagement with cancer services.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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