Simulation of interventions for close care for the sickest elderly

The goal of this simulation study is to show what effects different closer care interventions can have on the number of emergency room visits and inpatient care days for the sickest elderly and frail elderly groups.

Elderly sickest patients comprise approximately 14 percent of residents aged 65 or older in Västra Götaland, which corresponds to approximately 46,000 people. Of these, 5,000 people have visited the emergency department four or more times during a year and are classified as frequent visitors.

The sickest group has a great need for coordination of care and social care. Deficiencies in coordination and physician availability, too little proactive care and person-centered care in municipal care and at health centers often lead to a lack of quality, lack of patient safety and insecurity. This can mean unnecessary suffering for the patient and high consumption of hospital resources.

The goal of this simulation study is to show what effects different closer care interventions can have on the number of emergency room visits and inpatient care days for the sickest elderly and frail elderly groups.

The focus of the study is how interventions in closer care can reduce the need for specialized care rather than the transfer of different tasks. Simulation does not provide the solution to the problem but insight into how the problem can be solved.