MicroSimulations are detailed simulation models, often down to the patient/physician/nurse entity level, of detail.
MicroSimulations are often developed using multi-agent methods (MAS Multi-Agent Simulation) which allows each entity (Agent) to be modeled in detail with its own logic, methods and rules for interacting with other Agents.
Previously, MicroSimulations were developed using Discrete Event Simulation (DES) toolkits and software.
Even thought MicroSimulation could be a useful tool in health services delivery and public health planning and operations they are seldom utilized. This is most likely because the models are difficult to develop, maintain, and are often developed in a short-term research (limited) capacity.
Moving forward, it would be useful to look at previous simulation models developed and how past interventions/developments would have impacted the models in real-life.
A proposed framework for developing future MicroSimulations would consist of the following:
- Examination and Quantification of past simulation models applied to a specific disease or situation (i.e. HIV/AIDS in Africa).
- Examination and Quantification of past interventions/developments applied to a specific disease or situation (i.e. HIV/AIDS in Africa).
- Development of MicroSimulation models that allow for the expandability of interventions/developments.
- Development of visualization and interactivity tools to increase the dissemination and usability.
Some software (Java) that could be used to create MicroSimulations:
- MASON – https://cs.gmu.edu/~eclab/projects/mason/
- MaDKit – http://www.madkit.net
- SSJ – https://github.com/umontreal-simul/ssj
- JPSS – https://jgpss.liam.upc.edu/en/about (smaller GPSS implementation to get one started)
For those interested in GPU Accelerated Simulations:
- FlameGPU – http://www.flamegpu.com/