189583 Policy planning for Dental Health Aides in Alaska using discrete event simulation modeling

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 4:30 PM

Brian L. Saylor, PhD, MPH , Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
Benjamin R. Saylor, BS , Institure of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
     
This presentation will describe the application of simulation techniques to better understand the impact of the Alaska Dental Health Aide Program on the oral health status of rural Alaskan communities. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) contracted with the University of Alaska Anchorage to evaluate the new program. With too few patient encounters at the time to do a clinical outcomes study, the research team decided to apply discrete event simulation modeling techniques. The service delivery system before and after the Dental Health Aides will be described, and the simulation parameters will be summarized. A demonstration of the model will show how changes in Dental Health Aide scope of practice, hours of operation and other administrative and clinical parameters can impact oral health status using a 20 year simulation

Learning Objectives:
1. Assess the discrete event simulation modeling technique as a way of projecting the potential impact of management and policy decisions regarding rural health service delivery. 2. Define appropriate clinical and administrative parameters for use in a simulation model. 3. Recognize the strengths and limitations of discrete event simulation modeling in projecting long-term oral health outcomes in defined underserved populations

Keywords: Oral Health, Rural Health Service Providers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the Co Principal Investigator for the paper
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: The Current Status of the Alaska Dental Health Aide Program
See more of: Oral Health