Modelling the Future: System Dynamics in the Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Care Pathway
Journal article, 2016

Incidence rates for cutaneous malignant melanoma are increasing worldwide. Estimates of the future number of melanoma cases are important for strategic planning of the care pathway. The aim of this study was to use system dynamics modelling to evaluate the long-term effects of changes in incidence, population growth and preventive interventions. Historical data on invasive melanoma cases in Western Sweden from 1990 to 2006 were obtained. Using computer simulation software, a model estimating the accumulated number of melanoma cases for 2014 to 2023 was developed. Five future scenarios were designed: stable incidence, business-as-usual, 25% reduced patient's delay, 50% reduced doctor's delay, and a combination of the last 2, called improved overall secondary prevention. After 10 years, improved overall secondary prevention would have resulted in a 42% decrease in melanomas > 4 mm and a 10% increase in melanomas ≤ 1 mm, compared with business-as-usual. System dynamics is a valuable tool, which can help policymakers choose the preventive interventions with the greatest impact.

Author

Magdalena Claeson

University of Gothenburg

Stefan Hallberg

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics

Paul Holmström

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Innovation and R&D Management

Arne Rosen

University of Gothenburg

Helena Gonzalez

University of Gothenburg

John Paoli

University of Gothenburg

Acta Dermato-Venereologica

0001-5555 (ISSN) 1651-2057 (eISSN)

Vol. 96 2 181-185

Subject Categories

Dermatology and Venereal Diseases

Cancer and Oncology

Areas of Advance

Life Science Engineering (2010-2018)

DOI

10.2340/00015555-2222

PubMed

26302687

More information

Latest update

8/14/2024