Can computer simulation support strategic service planning? Modelling a large integrated mental health system on recovery from COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on people's mental health and mental health services. During the first year of the pandemic, existing demand was not fully met while new demand was generated, resulting in large numbers of people requiring support. To support mental health services to recover without being overwhelmed, it was important to know where services will experience increased pressure, and what strategies could be implemented to mitigate this.

Methods

We implemented a computer simulation model of patient flow through an integrated mental health service in Southwest England covering General Practice (GP), community-based 'talking therapies' (IAPT), acute hospital care, and specialist care settings. The model was calibrated on data from 1 April 2019 to 1

SUBMITTER: Pierotti L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10918932 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature