Lessons Learnt From The Design and Delivery of a National System Dynamics Training Programme To The National Health Service in England

This paper describes the design and delivery of a series of three training programs delivered to the National Health Service (NHS) in the England. The programs were delivered online between June 2022 and March 2024. The programs aimed to upskill NHS analysts in system dynamics and to demonstrate the potential contribution that system dynamics can make to the NHS demand and capacity planning challenge. The training covered all stages of the model development process, from scoping the analysis through to model testing. The training also described how stakeholders can be best involved during each of the stages of model development. Key to the training programs was the application of system dynamics to support “real-world” decisions that the participants were required to support. This paper includes an outline of the training methodology, examples of participant-developed models including associated benefits, and lessons learned from delivering the program. The described case studies include modeling urgent care provision, optimising blood donation, and supporting patients with respiratory conditions.