Camille Jean

Predictive modelling of telehealth system deployment

Healthcare systems are facing intense challenges to maintain and reinforce their value, such as cost efficiency, quality of care, accessibility and safety. Telehealth is seen as a possible way to address these challenges. Recent studies have focused on telehealth organization, resources and operations management. However, very few studies have focused on predicting the impacts of telehealth integration in the current healthcare system. We propose a parametric simulation model that fills this gap in the literature. The model considers environmental factors (demographic changes, resources and economic context) affecting the healthcare system and predicts implications over a long time horizon. A scenario-based approach is used to investigate several research questions and possible developments. A case study of the Picardie region illustrates this approach by modelling current conditions over a 20-year period. We believe this approach can be used as a strong decision support tool in the deployment of telehealth systems in the future.

Déploiement de la télémédecine, contexte et enjeux

The last decade has contributed to the emergence of telemedicine. Legislation and regulations, new tools, efficient networks and regional deployments have all played their part in its growth. There are several regional solutions, often experimental. The implementation of telemedicine services nevertheless comes up against obstacles which concern all specialities, including cardiology.

Simulation Methods in the Healthcare Systems

Healthcare systems can be considered as large-scale complex systems. They need to be well managed in order to create the desired values for its stakeholders as the patients, the medical staff and the industrials working for healthcare. Many simulation methods coming from other sectors have already proved their added value for healthcare. However, based on our experience in the French heath sector (Jean et al. 2012), we found these methods are not widely used in comparison with other areas as manufacturing and logistics. This paper presents a literature review of the healthcare issue and major simulations methods used to address them. This work is design to suggest how more systematic creation of solutions may be performed using complementary methods to resolve a common issue. We believe that this first work can help to better understand the simulation approaches used for health workers, deciders or researchers of any responsibility level.