A system dynamics model for the analysis of clinical laboratory productivity

This study describes the initial stages of the development of a system dynamics (SD) model that will be used to simulate the dynamics of various factors that impact the productivity of clinical laboratories. Facing a staff capacity constraint, a clinical laboratory can undertake a number of strategies: (a) hiring new staff, (b) working overtime, or (c) doing both. In this preliminary research, we use a dynamic model to (a) study the impact of these strategies on laboratory productivity, including cost control, and (b) simulate the laboratory human resource utilization process. An SD approach is used for model development because it enables modelers to understand and discuss complex problems by illuminating the relationships among the variables involved. We use a laboratory's test backlog and the test turnaround time as main productivity parameters for this preliminary study. We run the simulation for six months and study laboratory productivity performance behavior over this time period.