Applying a Design Process to a Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Unit: The Role of Systems Modelling and Simulation

Abstract

Systems modelling and simulation provide safe, risk-free, cost-effective environment for conducting experiments that would otherwise be prohibitive with real-life systems. In industry, it is an important part of the design process. The design process is an iterative process of problem solving that sometimes involves models, simulations and prototypes before the final product is out. In healthcare, it is not always easy to achieve the same level of iteration before a final service or system design is put into operation. Though the application of systems modelling and simulation in healthcare has been successful in many ways, it is still desired to find effective ways of increasing its uptake. This presentation reflects on a specific case of trying to engage a neuropsychological rehabilitation unit with two approaches to systems modelling and embedding these within a typical design process. Some key lessons learnt are presented and a number of unresolved challenges are also discussed. It is hoped that this will lead to a useful discussion on the role of systems modelling and simulation in the healthcare design process.