Homer, Jack B., "'By Prescription Only': A Computer Simulation Game for Understanding the Emergence of New Medical Treatments", 1985
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This paper presents a computerized system dynamics game in which the player makes "annual" decisions controlling the availability and evaluation of a new medical product with uncertain potential and possible (though initially undetected) side effects. The game has been implemented using the popular spreadsheet program Lotus 1-2-3. This program has on-screen display capabilities allowing for the construction of a user-friendly game that requires no knowledge of system dynamics. A detailed discussion of game mechanics is followed by a description of a classroom experience which led to further development of the original version of the game and some general insights about game-building.