Towards Improving Modeling and Simulation of Clinical Pathways: Lessons Learned and Future Insights

摘要

Clinical pathways (CPs) have been increasingly recognised as an instrumental evidence-based artifact that can support clinical decision making and care planning. However, research focusing on modeling and simulation of CPs is still sparse, despite significant individual endeavours. Initially, the paper conducts a systematic literature review with the aim of thoroughly inspecting the state-of-the-art in literature. Through the review, potential improvements are investigated with regard to the application of modeling and simulation within CPs. In view of that, we identify four thematic areas that emphasise how research in this space can be further developed. Specifically, we propose the following directions: i) Development of a conceptual reference model of CPs, ii) Adoption of a multi-perspective modeling approach that can integrate clinical, operational, financial and demographic information of CPs, iii) Development of a generic semantic-based model of CPs, and iv) Adoption of Linked Data concepts.