Solving health care problems with the simulation approach

As simulation permits researchers and decision makers, both public and private, to ascertain better the consequences of alternative courses of action which might be taken to solve problems, it is useful in designing and selecting solutions. This paper explains what is meant by simulation and then traces out briefly some of the experiences agricultural economists have had with the approach. It then considers the selection of systems for simulation modeling and the steps involved in building and using simulation models. The discussion is made a little more concrete by considering the simulation model which might be developed to solve the health care problems of aged, commercial farmers in the Grand Traverse area of Michigan. After this, criticisms and shortcomings of the simulation approach to solving practical problems is discussed before concluding with a brief summary of the place of simulation in solving health care problems.