Learning from simulating with system dynamics in healthcare : evaluating closer care strategies for elderly patients

• This paper presents results from a simulation case study analyzing care strategies for elderly patients in a regional healthcare system (HCS) in Sweden. Three strategies to reduce emergency visits, hospitalisations, and stays were evaluated: care coordinators at emergency departments, mobile health clinics visiting fragile patients in their homes, and proactive primary care. Using system dynamics modelling and empirical data, the impact on the regional HCS was explored considering the reduced care demand and demographic changes. Subsequently, the impact on the population's health status was assessed. Combining strategies yielded the best outcome, but improving patients' health status may increase long-term care demand. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing these strategies to offer better care for elderly patients and reduce healthcare costs. Findings highlight the potential long-term effects of improving health status and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the evolving care demands of an ageing population.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Produktionsteknik, arbetsvetenskap och ergonomi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisation, hälsopolitik och hälsoekonomi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

System dynamics

elderly care

healthcare decision-making

policy making

INF201 Virtual Production Development

INF201 Virtual Production Development

Virtual Production Development (VPD)

Virtual Production Development (VPD)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)