A novel modelling and simulation capacity development initiative for the National Health Service

Correspondence to Dr Sean Manzi, NIHR CLAHRC for the South West Peninsula, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; s.s.manzi@exeter.ac.uk Introduction Operational research techniques such as simulation modelling are commonplace in many public and private sector services and industries from aviation to manufacturing and logistics.1 The benefits of such techniques are well known but the healthcare sector in the UK has been slower to use simulation and modelling as part of their routine practices to inform operational changes.2 A major barrier to healthcare organisations conducting such work has been the awareness of and capacity to use simulation and modelling approaches. Participation in the programme was subject to a competitive application process to ensure that selected candidates had the required skills and potential to learn and apply the principles of simulation modelling. Disclaimer The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health.