TP 1 ISYE8023045- Advanced System Simulation and Modelling

Rachmatika Nurfaridza- 2502395102

The research titled "PHASE: Facilitating Agent-Based Modeling in Population Health"

addresses a critical issue in the field of population health: the limited adoption of agent-based
modeling (ABM). Despite a growing interest in developing complex behavioral interventions
to improve population health outcomes, ABM remains underutilized. This reluctance to
embrace ABM is particularly concerning given the shift towards a systems-based view of
health, which recognizes that health outcomes are influenced by a wide range of interacting
determinants, including social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
One of the core challenges addressed by this research is the existence of "wicked problems"
in population health. These problems, such as obesity, drug misuse, and persistent health
inequalities, are characterized by their complexity and interrelatedness. Traditional
epidemiological methods, including statistical modeling and microsimulation, struggle to
effectively model these intricate interactions, as they do not explicitly simulate the actions
and interactions of individuals. This limitation underscores the need for ABM, which directly
simulates individual actions and interactions within a system.
The research also highlights several barriers to the adoption of ABM in population health.
One significant barrier is the tendency to compare ABM studies directly with traditional
epidemiological models, despite fundamental differences in their approaches and
assumptions. Additionally, there is a shortage of computational modeling expertise within the
field of public health, and limited opportunities for early-career researchers to gain
experience in simulation methods.
To address these challenges, the authors propose a multifaceted approach. They suggest that
coordinated efforts in education and training, along with the development of open-source
tools and exemplar models, can enable population health researchers to more easily
incorporate ABM into their toolkit. This approach aims to equip researchers, including early-
career individuals, with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of
"wicked problems" and effectively use ABM to model and understand the intricate
interactions affecting population health.
Furthermore, the research introduces the Population Health Agent-based Simulation nEtwork
(PHASE), a collaborative research network established to support and connect agent-based
modelers in population health. PHASE aims to promote the adoption of ABM by providing
source code, documentation, guidance, best practices, and training opportunities. It also
facilitates connections between modelers and policy-makers, enabling the development of
ABMs with the potential to influence real-world policy decisions.
In conclusion, this research addresses a critical need in the field of population health by
advocating for the wider adoption of agent-based modeling. It highlights the potential of
ABM to model complex interactions, particularly in the context of "wicked problems." By
promoting education, training, and collaboration through PHASE, the research aims to
empower researchers to use ABM effectively in their efforts to improve population health
and inform policy-making.