Possibilities of computer simulation in optimizing the work of the inpatient emergency department in emergency situations

Relevance. The development of computer technology in recent years is increasingly being introduced into the medical field. Modern programs make it possible to perform imitation modeling of a medical unit in the mode of daily activities and in emergency situations, allow predicting the required number of personnel and bed capacity.

Intention. To study the possibilities of computer simulation to optimize the work of an inpatient emergency department in emergency conditions.

Methodology. With the help of software, a simulation model of a real inpatient emergency department was developed, experiments were carried out with the formation of emergency situations, the results were compared with data obtained in practice.

Results and Discussion. Upon admission of 50 patients per hour, the optimal solution was the conversion of 5 beds of the dynamic observation ward into intensive care beds and the placement of 10 additional beds in the waiting room, as well as the allocation of additional personnel in case of an emergency: 8 doctors, 6 nurses and 2 paramedics, 4 medical registrars. In the experiment of work in the conditions of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the capacity of the department was sufficient to admit 164 patients in 24 hours, the duration of their stay in the department was (110.0 ± 4.6) minutes. The second wave demonstrated the need to apply simulation modeling as a whole for the entire medical institution, and not just for individual structural units.

Conclusion. Planning the work of an inpatient emergency department in an emergency requires preparedness for massive admission of patients. In this case, it is advisable to solve tactical issues in advance, using modern technologies, such as computer simulation.

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