A novel configurable agent-based simulation model for reducing patient's waiting time in any oncology department

Nowadays, the increase of demand and the progressive decrease of resources are causing higher patients' waiting time in many chemotherapy oncology departments. Reducing these waiting times is one of the main goals of any healthcare manager since it implies to enhance the quality of health services and to avoid claims and disappointments. Simulation models are considered an effective tool for identifying potential ways to improve the patient's pathway in an oncology unit. In this regard, a new agent-based simulation model, which is designed to be configurable and adaptable to the needs of any oncology department, is proposed. In particular, it also allows replacing real oncology units interacting with pharmacies located outside and far away. In these cases, a courier service is needed to deliver the therapies collected in batches from the pharmacy to the oncology department. A real oncology unit was studied through the agent-based simulations and alternative scenarios were compared with the aim of reducing the patients' waiting time.