Capacity and Patient Flow Problems: Solutions Using Queuing Analytics and Discrete Event Simulation

A brief comparative overview is provided for queuing analytics and discrete event simulation. Comparative analysis is provided for 13 capacity and patient flow problems using the side-by-side traditional approach, queuing analytics, and discrete event simulation. Serious limitations of queuing analytics are demonstrated. Multiple examples of incorrect traditional decisions made with average input data are presented (effect of the flaw of averages). Section 2.15 of this chapter presents an example of the discrete event simulation model that includes a nonlinear numeric optimization procedure based on an evolutionary algorithm.