Home // International Journal On Advances in Intelligent Systems, volume 18, numbers 1 and 2, 2025 // View article

A Lego-inspired, Modular Agent-Based Metasystem for Emergency Departments

Authors:
Francisco Mesas Cervilla
Manel Taboada
Dolores Isabel Rexachs del Rosario
Francisco Epelde Gonzalo
Alvaro Wong
Emilio Luque

Keywords: Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS); Emergency Department (ED); Emergency Healthcare Systems; Modular System; Automated Testing; Model Validation; Decision Support Systems (DSS); Healthcare Simulation

Abstract:
Emergency Departments (EDs) are complex systems that require coordination of medical personnel and resources to manage situations effectively. This research addresses the basic principles for designing a modular system that allows the creation of computational models to improve service quality using available resources. Based on the accumulated knowledge of experts in the field of ED, the modular system ensures that each component accurately reflects the particular features present in various emergency healthcare settings, ensuring its adaptability. By applying Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS), an analysis of the agents involved—such as patients, doctors, resources, and computer systems—is considered. ABMS, known for its ability to individually adapt to each agent, allows the design of customized environments that meet the unique needs of various regions and healthcare structures. Inspired by the modularity and versatility of Lego® blocks, this ABMS system seeks to transform a monolithic approach into an adaptable tool. Through the introduction of a metasystem, modular agent definitions, and a testing platform, the proposed "agent box" facilitates the construction and validation of computational models. These enhancements ensure easier adaptation, scalability, and robustness, potentially improving emergency care quality and facilitating strategic decision making in this critical service.

Pages: 22 to 31

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2025. Used with permission.

Publication date: June 30, 2025

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2679