Lessons from mixing OR methods in practice: using DES and SD to explore a radiotherapy treatment planning process

• Published in: Health systems Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 166 - 177
• Main Authors: Morgan, Jennifer Sian, Belton, Val, Howick, Susan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis 01.10.2016; Palgrave Macmillan UK; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Business and Management; discrete event simulation (DES); mixing operational research (OR) methods; Operations Research/Decision Theory; Original Article; Radiation therapy; radiotherapy treatment planning modelling; system dynamics (SD); system dynamics (SD); radiotherapy treatment planning modelling; discrete event simulation (DES); mixing operational research (OR) methods
• ISSN: 2047-6965; 2047-6973; 1047-6973
• DOI: 10.1057/hs.2016.4

Mixing Operational Research (OR) methods is becoming more commonplace. Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) and System Dynamics (SD) are popular modelling methods previously applied to a range of situations for various purposes, which are starting to be mixed in healthcare. However, the practicalities of mixing DES and SD in practice remain unclear. Radiotherapy treatment is a complex multi-stage process where technology and best practice continue to evolve. This paper describes a project undertaken to explore the treatment planning process using mixed OR methods. It presents insights obtained through mixing OR methods within a real-world project. The model development process, the role of each modelling method and the benefits of undertaking a mixed OR methods project design are described. Lessons for mixing DES and SD, and more generally mixing OR methods, are discussed.