Estimating costs and benefits of stroke management: A population-based simulation model

The paper demonstrates how a system dynamics approach can support strategic planning of health care services and can in particular help to balance cost-effectiveness considerations with budget impact considerations when assessing a comprehensive package of stroke care interventions in Singapore. A population-level system dynamics model is used to investigate 12 intervention scenarios based on six stroke interventions (a public information campaign, thrombolysis, endovascular therapy, acute stroke unit (ASU), out-of-hospital rehabilitation, and secondary prevention). Primary outcomes included cumulative discounted costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, as well as cumulative net monetary benefit by 2030. All intervention scenarios result in an increase in net monetary benefit by 2030; much of these gains were realized through improved post-acute care. Findings highlight the importance of coordination of care, and affirms the economic value of current stroke interventions.

Automated summary

This paper illustrates how a system dynamics approach can assist in strategic planning for healthcare services, particularly in evaluating a comprehensive package of stroke care interventions in Singapore. By using a population-level system dynamics model to investigate various intervention scenarios, the study emphasizes the importance of care coordination for stroke patients and confirms the economic value of current stroke interventions.