Using Animated Computer Simulation to Determine the Optimal Resource Support for the Endodontic Specialty Practice at Fort Lewis

摘要

Animated computer simulation was used in this study to determine the optimal resource support (dental assistants and dental treatment rooms) for the endodontic specialty practice at Fort Lewis, Washington. MedModel(registered) Healthcare Simulation software was used to compare five scenarios or models with varying numbers of dental assistants and dental treatment rooms. The models were run for 250 repetitions to simulate one year of operation. Then the model output data were analyzed with statistical tests, and the models were compared using a decision matrix which incorporated the Dental Activity Commander's preferences and the relative performance rating of each model. One-way Analysis of Variance tests indicated that there were significant differences (p < .0001) in the five computer models. The model with two dental assistants and three dental treatment rooms was determined to have the best overall performance, and therefore, to possess the optimal resource support. Based on the results of this study, it was recommended that the endodontist be assigned two dental assistants and be given access to three dental treatment rooms, if possible.