Examining the effect of interventions in emergency care for older people using a system dynamics decision support tool.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rising demand for Emergency and Urgent Care is a major international issue and outcomes for older people remain sub-optimal. Embarking upon large-scale service development is costly in terms of time, energy and resources with no guarantee of improved outcomes; computer simulation modelling offers an alternative, low risk and lower cost approach to explore possible interventions.

Method

A system dynamics computer simulation model was developed as a decision support tool for service planners. The model represents patient flow through the emergency care process from the point of calling for help through ED attendance, possible admission, and discharge or death. The model was validated against five different evidence-based interventions (geriatric emergency medicine,

SUBMITTER: England T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9879714 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature