Reduced Waiting Times by Preference-Based Allocation of Patients to Nursing Homes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Operations Research
• Health Services Management

Background:

• Long waiting times for nursing home placement are a significant challenge for older adults.
• Current allocation systems often fail to meet individual preferences and lead to prolonged delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a preference-based allocation model for older adults seeking nursing home care.
• To assess the model's performance in reducing waiting times and improving placement satisfaction compared to current practices.

Main Methods:

• A simulation study was conducted using data from two case studies in the Netherlands (urban and rural regions).
• A preference-based allocation model was developed, incorporating waiting time preferences and flexibility.
• The model's performance was compared against existing policies using outcome measures like waiting times and preference satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The allocation model reduced waiting times by at least half in both case studies (Rotterdam: 166 to 80 days; Twente: 178 to 82 days).
• A higher proportion of older adults were placed in their preferred nursing homes.
• The model successfully satisfied the aims of distinct preference profiles.

Conclusions:

• The preference-based allocation model outperforms traditional waiting-list policies for nursing homes.
• The model is easily implementable, generic, and adaptable to other care settings, such as home or daycare.
• Mathematical modeling offers a promising avenue for cost-effective solutions in elder care.