Simulated Allocation Models

The simulated allocation models (SAMs) make up a family of computer simulation programs developed by SRTR to simulate allocation of organs and outcomes of candidates on the waiting list and posttransplant.

The program family consists of the liver simulated allocation model (LSAM), the thoracic simulated allocation model (TSAM), and the kidney-pancreas simulated allocation model (KPSAM).

These models were designed to support studies of alternative organ allocation policies. The models use a variety of allocation rules to determine how organs would be allocated to potential recipients under each rule considered. The allocation process involves some random components reflecting the uncertainty in acceptance decisions when an organ is offered to a potential recipient, and assessing the unpredictable life expectancy that can result from undergoing or not undergoing transplant. To account for such random variation, the models can simulate the allocation process several times with the same set of allocation rules, organs, and candidates to determine outcomes on average.

Products related to the SAMs include a user guide for each model explaining the modeling approach and processes internal to the simulation, articles, and presentations to committees. User guides are available for download below.