Decision-analytic and simulation modelling

We have wide experience in applying methods of economic evaluation for applications in health services delivery. This includes cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-benefit and efficiency analysis. Models and evaluations are conducted using Microsoft Excel, TreeAge Pro and Stata. We have developed health care simulation models in AnyLogic for application in several areas using discrete event simulation, system dynamics, and agent based simulation approaches.

Current research is outlined in accordions below.

Hybrid simulation modelling for dementia dyads

Developing a hybrid simulation model for assessing the impacts of social and health care interventions for people with dementia and their caregiver in Australia. The (current) prototype model can incorporate a variety of interventions and estimates outcomes (from incidence/prevalence, to individual patient outcomes and carer wellbeing and quality of life).

Research funded by: Funding NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Leadership Fellowship

Simulation modelling of the hospital-residential care interface

Evaluating the use of exercise physiology to improve the cognitive and functional capacity of older people with dementia in residential care

Within-trial cost-effectiveness evaluation of the incorporation of an exercise physiology led program within a residential aged care facility. The evaluation will assess the costs of delivering a program against the benefits gained in quality of life improvements, falls reductions and other functional outcomes.

Research funded by: NHMRC Partnership Centre for Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in Older People

Care Of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE)

The COPE program is a structured occupational therapy and nursing intervention for people with dementia and their caregivers living at home. We are assisting in two components of the evaluation:

Cost-benefit analysis of the COPE program from a society perspective
Assessing the training preferences and willingness to pay for COPE using a discrete choice experiment.

Research funded by: NHMRC Partnership Centre for Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in Older People

SIMPLER medication simplification research (+)

The SIMPLER program is a cluster RCT of a multidisciplinary intervention to simplify medication regimens of residents over 65 years of age in Residential Aged Care Facilities. We are conducting a within trial economic analysis to synthesise the costs and outcomes of SIMPLER. Multi-level models that incorporate costs (including medication administration and dosage formulation times) and outcomes (such as medication incidents, falls and quality of life) will be used to measure cost-effectiveness of the intervention/s.

Research funded by: NHMRC Partnership Centre for Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in Older People