Sweden is set to revolutionize acute stroke care by strategically expanding its network of thrombectomy centers and deploying ambulance helicopters, aiming to increase accessibility and improve patient outcomes within budgetary limits.
Optimizing Thrombectomy Center and Helicopter Locations
A comprehensive nationwide study analyzed six years of patient data to determine the most efficient placement of thrombectomy centers and ambulance helicopters. By utilizing optimization modeling alongside cost-effectiveness analysis, researchers compared various configurations to the existing setup of eight centers without helicopter support. The goal was to identify configurations that maximize health benefits while adhering to economic constraints.
Assessing Cost-Effectiveness and Health Impact
The findings revealed that establishing 11 thrombectomy centers coupled with 14 ambulance helicopters presents the most cost-effective strategy, translating to densities of approximately 1.05 and 1.34 per million inhabitants, respectively. This configuration is projected to generate an annual incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) nearing €13.6 million. An alternative scenario, including nine centers and 13 helicopters, also demonstrated favorable economic advantages with an INMB of €3.8 million.
- Increasing the number of thrombectomy centers directly correlates with improved access to life-saving treatments for stroke patients.
- Deploying ambulance helicopters significantly reduces response times, enhancing the effectiveness of acute interventions.
- The optimal combination of resources not only improves patient outcomes but also offers substantial economic benefits to the healthcare system.
Implementing the recommended expansion will likely lead to a marked decrease in mortality and disability associated with acute ischemic strokes caused by large vessel occlusions. Healthcare providers can anticipate enhanced emergency response capabilities and more efficient utilization of resources, ultimately leading to a more robust and resilient stroke care infrastructure.
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