A Cost-Effectiveness Simulation of Specialist Dispatching System in Japan for Treatments of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Using a Geographic Information System

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2019 Aug 21:264:1861-1862. doi: 10.3233/SHTI190685.

Abstract

Regional disparities in the implementation rates of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy treatments have been reported in Japan. We simulated the cost-effectiveness of specialist dispatching system in Hokkaido, Japan using Geographic Information System. In the system a qualified specialist is dispatched to another hospital for endovascular thrombectomy. Since the system improved patient accessibility, and the cost- effectiveness was excellent, the system could help enhance the equality and cost-effectiveness of ischemic stroke treatments in Hokkaido.

Keywords: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Geographic Information System; Ischemic Stroke.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Stroke*
  • Treatment Outcome