Method “Monte Carlo” in healthcare

Table 1 What computer simulation models allow and what cannot

Advantages[8,9]	Limitations[2,3]
Allow conclusions to be drawn about a new system without having actually to build it or to make changes to an existing one without disrupting its operation	Cannot optimize but can only generate results from “WHAT-IF” queries
Allow the manager to visualize the operations of a new or existing system under different conditions	Cannot obtain correct results from inaccurate data
Allow us to see how different components interact and how this affects the overall system performance	Cannot describe system characteristics that were not included in the model
Allow general insight into the essence of the process	Cannot solve problems; they can only provide information that aids the process of developing a solution
Allow recognition of specific problems and problem areas in the studied system	Cannot give simple answers to complex problems
Assist in the development of particular policies and process plans
Improve system efficiency