From Theory to Practice: Narrative Review of How Simulation Transforms Hospital Management and Performance

Abstract

Context: This paper examines the role of simulation in enhancing hospital management and the quality of healthcare. Evidence Acquisition: Using advanced modeling techniques, particularly system dynamics (SD) as a fundamental tool, simulation enables the analysis and prediction of complex interactions in hospital systems. Results: This study highlights the core applications of hospital simulation, including patient flow management, optimal allocation of resources (e.g., staff and equipment), bed occupancy prediction, and care pathway optimization. By using dynamic simulations, hospitals can identify bottlenecks, reduce patient waiting times, improve resource utilization, and increase operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Global case studies demonstrate how simulation based on system dynamics has significantly reduced costs, streamlined workflows, and raised standards of patient care. Conclusions: The findings emphasize that integrating simulation into healthcare management enhances evidence-based decision-making and equips hospitals with adaptive frameworks to navigate evolving and unpredictable challenges.