Table 2 The Committee’s Ten Rules of credible practice of modeling and simulation in healthcare

1.

Define context clearly

Develop and document the subject, purpose, and intended use(s) of the model or simulation

2.

Use contextually appropriate data

Employ relevant and traceable information in the development or operation of a model or simulation

3.

Evaluate within context

Perform verification, validation, uncertainty quantification, and sensitivity analysis of the model or simulation with respect to the reality of interest and intended use(s) of the model or simulation

4.

List limitations explicitly

Provide restrictions, constraints, or qualifications for or on the use of the model or simulation for consideration by the users or customers of a model or simulation

5.

Use version control

Implement a system to trace the time history of modeling and simulation activities including delineation of each contributors’ efforts

6.

Document appropriately

Maintain up-to-date informative records of all modeling and simulation activities, including simulation code, model mark-up, scope and intended use of modeling and simulation activities, as well as users’ and developers’ guides

7.

Disseminate broadly

Share all components of modeling and simulation activities, including simulation software, models, simulation scenarios and results

8.

Get independent reviews

Have the modeling and simulation activity reviewed by nonpartisan third-party users and developers

9.

Test competing implementations

Use contrasting modeling and simulation implementation strategies to check the conclusions of different strategies against each other

10.

Conform to standards

Adopt and promote generally applicable and discipline specific operating procedures, guidelines, and regulations accepted as best practices