Simulating the impact of facility design on operations: a study in an internal medicine ward

Purpose This study aims to use a narrative-based simulation approach to explore potential implications of including or excluding a dayroom in the design of an internal medicine ward. Design/methodology/approach The approach involved: collecting data in facilities using field observations and experts' interviews; modeling representative behavior patterns in the form of rule-based narratives that direct collaborative behaviors of virtual occupants; simulating the behavior patterns in two alternative design options, one of which includes a dayroom; and analyzing the simulation results with respect to selected key performance indicators of day-to-day operations and spatial occupancy, including occupant density in corridors, number and locations of staff-visitor interactions and duration of a doctors' round procedure. Findings Simulation results suggest that the presence of a dayroom reduces visitors' density in corridors and diminishes the number of staff-visitor interactions that can delay the performing of scheduled medical procedures. Originality/value A limited number of studies explore how simulation can be used to study the impact of building design on operations. This study uses a narrative-based approach to address some of the limitations of existing methods, including discrete-event simulations. Preliminary results suggest that the lack of appropriate spaces for patients and visitors to socialize may cause potential disruptions to hospital operations.