Application of Discrete Event Simulation Models for COPD Management: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Health Services Research
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management presents complex challenges.
• Discrete Event Simulation (DES) offers a powerful tool for modeling and evaluating COPD interventions.
• A comprehensive assessment of current DES applications in COPD is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the application of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) models in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• To evaluate the quality of existing research, identify knowledge gaps, and provide recommendations for future DES applications in COPD care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Econlit, CNKI) up to August 22, 2024.
• Quality assessment using CHEERS 2022 checklist or ISPOR Practice Guidelines.
• Categorization of included studies based on modeling focus: pharmacological treatments, case detection, and healthcare services interventions.

Main Results:

• Nine studies met inclusion criteria, all focusing on health economic evaluations of DES in COPD management within high-income countries.
• Studies covered cost-effectiveness of pharmacological treatments (n=3), case detection strategies (n=3), and healthcare service interventions (n=3).
• All studies reported model validation, but only two included subgroup analysis.

Conclusions:

• Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is a valuable tool for health economic evaluations in COPD management.
• Further research is recommended to address identified gaps, particularly in subgroup analyses and diverse healthcare settings.
• Findings can inform future research priorities and resource allocation for enhanced COPD interventions.