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There is a way to "test drive" the impact of design changes, the addition of technology, staffing adjustments, etc. before making expensive decisions and changes in the real world. The world's leading companies use a technique called simulation modelling to ensure that the changes they are contemplating, which often cost millions of dollars, will provide the desired results. Simulation is often used to model changes in plant design, modifications to airport staffing and, in health care, to evaluate changes to facility design, personnel scheduling and the impact of new technologies (as well as combinations of all three). In a pharmacy setting, we would use powerful computer programs, pharmacy data gathered using time studies and other tools, as well as information about the potential changes to create a model. The result is a "virtual pharmacy".
Simulation can also be used in conjunction with optimization tools--comparing multiple scenarios against desired outcomes, budgets, etc. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing optimal resource levels and identifying the investment(s) that will minimize costs while maintaining customer service objectives. The result is a balanced investment plan that matches the business plan.
The software can provide onscreen simulations where patients and staff members (and scripts if desired) are seen moving through the pharmacy in real time (or fast-forwarded). Key metrics, such as the number of patients in the pharmacy, the number waiting to hand-in or pick-up scripts and average wait times are displayed on the screen.
At the end of the simulation, overall statistics are provided for analysis. This virtual pharmacy 'movie' is an invaluable tool in selling the potential changes to others. Simulation and optimization are well worth the investment, especially when the cost associated with making investment decisions could run in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per site.
A small investment in time and money before making these major decisions will ensure better outcomes for the pharmacy, its staff and its patients.
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