Medical Modeling and Simulation Based Training Return on Investment Decision Model

Many studies exist which validate M & S based medical training tools as effective in improving practitioner performance. There is little research addressing the cost effectiveness of such training solutions. A gap exists in the integration of cost, performance, schedule, risk, patient outcome improvement, and training efficiency and training transfer factors in assessing medical M & S based training investment candidates. Research will focus on four tasks: 1) identify common/key data needs for assessing costs, value, performance, and risk in applying M & S based solutions in the medical training domain, 2) research and define metrics for medical trade space analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, 3) define use of Key Performance Parameters for input into a medical training ROI assessment tool, and 4) identify and apply an ontology supporting linkage among performance metrics, ROI parameters, and medical and financial risk. A key to the approach is to specify sets of variables relating and comparing patient safety, training effectiveness transfer, student performance, and usability factors on a consistent basis. This will yield a set of variable and fixed inputs to the ROI calculation engine to produce results allowing comparison of options in the simulation, live, and traditional training domains, at the enterprise, programmatic, or application management levels.