GlossaryGuide

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954.

Definition

• A simulation in which the process is considered more important than the outcome. For example, a model of a radar system in which the objective is to replicate exactly the radar’s operation, and duplication of its results is a lesser concern (Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Glossary).

• In health care, the use of simulation to examine the process of care rather than the outcome of care. For example: using simulation to re-create an emergency in a patient area to see what latent safety threats exist, such as poor availability of patient equipment, inadequate emergency call buttons, or unsafe obstacles.

Compare: PROCEDURAL SIMULATION