Högskolan i Skövde

The expected demographic changes, and especially the rise in life expectancy, will considerably increase elderly patients' demand for healthcare. There are different strategies that can offer better care for these patients, reduce their unnecessary visits to the emergency departments, and in consequence, reduce the number of hospitalizations and days at the hospital. This study employed system dynamics to analyze the economic and quality-related effects of different closer care strategies such as investments in care coordinators and mobile health clinics, as well as to offer proactive care in the primary care facilities for elderly patients. The results indicate that a combination of the different strategies will support better care for patients, will reduce hospital costs and will reduce the existing pressure on the emergency department. The paper also reflects on the process followed to conduct the study and the lessons learned.