Analyzing incentives and scheduling in a major metropolitan hospital operating room through simulation

This paper discusses the application of simulation to analyze the value proposition and construction of an incentive program in an operating room (OR) environment. The model was further used to evaluate operational changes including scheduling processes within the OR and utilization rates in areas such as post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and the ambulatory surgery department (ASD). Lessons learned are presented on developing multiple simulation models from one application as well as issues regarding model transition to a client.