Data from: Staffs’ and managers’ perceptions of how and when discrete event simulation modeling can be used as a decision support in quality improvement: a focus group discussion study at two hospital settings in Sweden

Objective To explore healthcare staffs’ and managers’ perceptions of how
and when discrete event simulation modeling can be used as a decision
support in improvement efforts. Design Two focus group discussions were
performed. Setting Two settings were included: a rheumatology department
and an orthopedic section both situated in Sweden. Participants Healthcare
staff and managers (n=13) from the two settings. Interventions Two
workshops were performed, one at each setting. Workshops were initiated by
a short introduction to simulation modeling. Results from the respective
simulation model were then presented and discussed in the following focus
group discussion. Results Categories from the content analysis are
presented according to the following research questions: how and when
simulation modeling can assist healthcare improvement? Regarding how, the
participants mentioned that simulation modeling could act as a tool for
support and a way to visualize problems, potential solutions and their
effects. Regarding when, simulation modeling could be used both locally
and by management, as well as a pedagogical tool to develop and test
innovative ideas and to involve everyone in the improvement work.
Conclusions Its potential as an information and communication tool and as
an instrument for pedagogic work within healthcare improvement render a
broader application and value of simulation modeling than previously
reported.