Modelling and Simulation
Specialising in Systems Dynamics modelling, we apply our technical modelling expertise to core challenges facing all health and care systems to provide insight and techniques to support decision making, strategy development and confidence in planning. The approach can used across many wicked issues faced from waiting list recovery, strategic workforce planning and supply, population health and disease, and pathway transformation.
Strategic modelling and system transformation
Waiting list recovery
Population and disease modelling
Waiting list recovery
Health systems across the country have waiting list times in elective and diagnostic care that do not meet national performance targets. Traditional approaches to performance data such as spreadsheet tools struggle to cope with the dynamic element of waiting lists and activity over time and to answer the key strategic question: how much additional activity must we perform in order to meet target?
In response to this need, WSP has developed and refined a systems dynamics model that takes referral, activity and wait time data and forecasts the additional activity required in each speciality and/or modality in order to meet performance targets. Clients are able to vary the scenario, such as the performance targets, the time period and the rate of additional activity.
Working with WSP, clients can build on this base model making local adjustments and refinements to answer additional strategic questions, including more complicated resourcing questions, e.g. workforce and theatre requirements. In consultancy, WSP brings 20 years of experience working in health and care improvement to support this process.
Strategic modelling system transformation
Through strategic modelling, WSP provides robust, data-driven insights to help organisations navigate complex problems and make informed decisions for future planning. Using advanced simulation and system dynamics models, we enable clients to explore different scenarios, forecast, and assess the impact of strategic changes. This approach supports long-term, sustainable transformation by focusing on the interconnectedness of systems. Tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, our models give confidence to decision-makers to manage uncertainty and drive effective system-wide improvements.
The process of system level modelling requires collaboration between partners, and the process of model development itself can help systems in coming together to understand the impacts each part of the system has on another. This improved understanding can form an enabler to change through improved awareness of others’ positions, and it can support the development of better relationships. Often the outcome isn't just about a single version of the truth that systems can be agree upon, but the process and the learning provided in getting to it.
Population health and disease modelling
In the health and care sector, strategic planning necessarily draws on models and forecasts about population health. WSP has developed an approach that brings comprehensive cohort modelling to the local level. This was used by health systems across the country during Covid 19, and continues to be used to allow systems to plan strategically with unique insight into future health demographics for their area. This approach supports WSP in working with systems engaged in transformation, workforce planning, or tackling a particular public health need – wherever granular insight into the future of the population is essential.
Our unique model can be calibrated and applied to any area, and we can provide consultancy and technical skills to develop the modelling further to the client’s specific needs.