Maggie, you posted your question a while ago so my answer if probably too late but if it is a case of problem structuring my research might be useful as I and colleagues have developed a framework called PartiSim for healthcare. I would be happy to share more information if you are still working on this.

Hi Kathy

I am still working on this - PartiSim may be of interest - i'm not sure. What I am doing is developing a carepathway wiht asssociated tools and resources for clincians ...?

Hi Maggie,

PartiSim was developed to enable a group of stakeholders to participate in various stages of the study lifecycle. It is geared towards discrete event simulation studies but my belief is that it would be useful in other modelling studies. It focusses around four facilitated workshops. The first two workshops are about conceptual modelling (what is the problem, what are the key concerns, study objectives and what to include in the model (to also design a conceptual model such as a process flow diagram etc), then the modeling team (if it is a simulation study) would code the model. The model would then be initially validated by the project champion (in case there is a glaring error). Then a workshop would follow with further validation tasks by the group of stakeholders and within that workshop we would experiment with the model to establish the solution space (what is feasible and desirable?). Following that workshop, further corrections to the model or further experimentation might take place and a report w\ould be written up. A final workshop would be arranged to discuss the solution space in more detail and for an implementation plan to be set out.

PartiSim is an approach comprised of a framework, guide and tools and manuals to aid the modelling team on the interaction with the group. It also can be used in a pick and mix way so you could (we think) use what you like for your situation . You might choose to undertake some of the workshops or use some of the tools. The majority of the tools ( mostly paper based) can be used in the workshop environment with the stakeholders. We tested it in healthcare and our stakeholders found it very useful as they felt they had an active part in an otherwise quite technical process.

I hope this gives you a flavour of what it is about.

we are looking for other modellers to trial it and also and let us know their thoughts,

if you want the package (a collection of documents) can we discuss by email ([email protected])

Kathy