Logistics for Healthy Healthcare: A Modelling Perspective on Intermediate Care Solutions

Problem Context
The pressure on hospitals continues to increase, while a significant portion of care can also be provided outside the hospital. Examples include community clinics, home consultations, and specialized nurses working with general practitioners. These forms of Intermediate Care (IC) bring hospital care closer to home. Initial experiences show that patients are satisfied and that healthcare costs are lower. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to organize these forms of care effectively on a larger scale.

Approach
The project focuses on investigating options for deploying Intermediate Care in a smart and scalable way. This involves examining the movement of patients through the care chain, the required deployment of staff and resources, and the organizational preconditions. Data analysis and simulation models are used to calculate various scenarios. A digital tool is also being developed that healthcare organizations can use to explore the impact of policy choices, such as opening a community clinic or expanding home care.

Expected Results
The project will yield concrete insights and tools that contribute to a better organization of Intermediate Care. The expected results include:

• A proof of concept of a data-driven decision-making system to support strategic decisions.
• Practical guidelines for implementing ICU solutions in various regions.
• New knowledge about the effective and efficient design of care processes outside the hospital.
  These results enable the broader application of Intermediate Care, leading to better patient care and reduced pressure on hospitals.

Consortium Logic
The project is being carried out by a consortium of experts in healthcare logistics, data analysis, and healthcare innovation. This combination of knowledge and experience enables effective addressing of the complex issues surrounding Intermediate Care. By working with a practical example from healthcare, it is also ensured that the developed solutions can be directly applied in practice.