Reducing inter-organizational barriers in the medical sector with simulation

This paper describes how a simulation model is successfully being used as a communication tool following the introduction of a new law on research projects involving humans. The law caused some resistance at the local medical ethical research boards, mainly because of their uncertainty about imposed changes. The challenge was to communicate the changes to a large number of organizations. An animation model that explained the communication procedures between local medical ethical boards and the central agency was presented at a workshop attended by representatives of all the local boards. The model proved to be a powerful method of providing the audience with a lot of information in a short time, establishing a joint problem definition, and focusing discussions on the important issues. The animation model was a useful instrument in providing a smooth implementation of the law.