Project 4
Population-clinical simulation model of osteoarthritis: development and applications.
Project Goals - What are we doing?
Developing a population-clinical simulation model of OA of the hip and knee, and carrying out simulations addressing public policy, population health, and clinical issues in this disease.
Research Outcomes - What will be achieved?
The development of a micro-simulation model of OA is based on the Population Health Model (POHEM) at Statistics Canada. POHEM will simulate the incidence and progression of OA, health outcomes, health care utilization, and costs. POHEM is a state-of-the-art tool for modeling complex chronic diseases. The proposed program of research takes full advantage of this national resource. By pooling data from several large cohort studies, we will create the world's largest clinical and epidemiological database for modeling the natural history of OA. The substantive issues this study will address are crucial for better planning of healthcare services, development of preventive strategies, and optimization of medical and surgical treatment of this disease. The results of this project will be useful to policymakers, researchers, as well as clinicians and patients facing difficult treatment decisions.
Background - Why is this research important?
OA is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of physical disability. Despite much research, we do not have a complete and coherent picture of the natural history and population health impact of this disease. There is no primary prevention strategy for OA. No macro-economic studies, evaluating different preventive and treatment strategies, have been undertaken.
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