Simulation of a Multimedia Patient Records System

The paper highlights the need for, and the benefits of using, simulation during the development and implementation of modern healthcare systems. Whilst healthcare establishments already utilise information systems in a wide variety of disciplines, the majority of systems are currently isolated, with patient records largely based upon manual methods. As such, it is envisaged that the establishment of composite, multimedia-based patient records would considerably aid care delivery. After a brief discussion of the advantages that this would bring, the paper proceeds to highlight how simulation can be employed to aid system design and development in a number of areas (including the user interface, records structure, security, networking requirements and the profiling of future application demands). The discussion is based upon work currently being conducted by the authors within a practical research project.