The application of simulation methodology in a hospital's six sigma project

Simulation was recently utilized as the key component of a Six Sigma project at a major hospital in the southeastern United States. The project team used various statistical analysis tools to assess current process performance and measure improvements with process changes. However, simulation provided the best insight into which process changes had the best opportunity to succeed and which would yield little value. This paper briefly discusses the methodology of this project and how simulation provided a better quality solution.