12.Operations01.Discrete event simulation - sporedata/researchdesigneR GitHub Wiki

1. Use cases: in which situations should I use this method?

It is usually used to model the operation of a system, e.g., as a discrete sequence of events over time. Each event happens at a given unit of time and sets the step for each state in the system. With every discrete progression of time, a new event happens (next-event time progression). Examples include the modeling of operating rooms and emergency rooms.
- screening programs - see Analysis of clinical benefit, harms, and cost-effectiveness of screening women for abdominal aortic aneurysm
- service provision - see An evaluation of strategies to reduce waiting times for total joint replacement in Ontario
It can also be used to optimize clinical trials in order to reduce the duration of each phase of the study [1].

Strengthening the reporting of empirical simulation studies: Introducing the STRESS guidelines [2].

[1] Frankel PH, Chung V, Tuscano J, Siddiqi T, Sampath S, Longmate J, Groshen S, Newman EM. Model of a Queuing Approach for Patient Accrual in Phase 1 Oncology Studies. JAMA network open. 2020 May 1;3(5):e204787-.

[2] Monks T, Currie CS, Onggo BS, Robinson S, Kunc M, Taylor SJ. Strengthening the reporting of empirical simulation studies: Introducing the STRESS guidelines. Journal of Simulation. 2019 Jan 2;13(1):55-67.