Data from: Analysis and prediction of effects of the Manchester Triage System on patient waiting times in an emergency department by means of agent-based simulation

A simulation of complex clinical processes is a challenging task and
suitable methods need to be found which can capture the influence of
relevant factors and their relationships. The Manchester triage system
(MTS) is widely used in German emergency departments (ED), however the
impact on patient waiting times remain difficult to predict. The purpose
of this work is the assessment of MTS particularly with regard to the
waiting times of different degrees of severity. The methodology of agent
based simulation was found suitable for the ED domain and the agent based
simulation tool SeSAm was chosen due to its intuitive user interface and
easy adaption of the simulation models. Altogether four agent classes
could be implemented based on the information derived from a process
model. The model permits a dynamic simulation of the ED processes and a
reliable assessment of patient waiting times. In addition, the
implementation of a triage nurse allowed the simulation of the triage
process and a direct comparison to the current state without a
standardized triage procedure. Essential influencing factors (e.g. number
of patients, manning level) were implemented and their effects on the ED
processes and patient waiting times assessed. The simulation runs
delivered correct results based on the underlying process model and the
collected statistical data. The process flow and the waiting times of an
ED could be mapped exactly. In all simulation runs the waiting times of
high triage levels (MTS-levels 1 and 2) could be reduced. Especially
patients of MTS-level 2 in the waiting area of the ED benefit
significantly from the implementation of a standardized triage procedure
and the associated permanent monitoring.