Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis

The development of new diagnostic technologies is accelerating, and budgetary constraints in the health sector necessitate a systematic decision-making process to acquire emerging technologies. Health Technology Assessment methodologies integrate technology, clinical efficacy, patient safety, and or...

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Main Authors: Sandra Usaquén-Perilla, Laura Valentina Bocanegra-Villegas, Jose Isidro García-Melo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Systems
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/7/591
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author Sandra Usaquén-Perilla
Laura Valentina Bocanegra-Villegas
Jose Isidro García-Melo
author_facet Sandra Usaquén-Perilla
Laura Valentina Bocanegra-Villegas
Jose Isidro García-Melo
author_sort Sandra Usaquén-Perilla
collection DOAJ
description The development of new diagnostic technologies is accelerating, and budgetary constraints in the health sector necessitate a systematic decision-making process to acquire emerging technologies. Health Technology Assessment methodologies integrate technology, clinical efficacy, patient safety, and organizational and financial factors in this context. However, these methodologies do not include the learning curve, a critical factor in operator-dependent technologies. This study presents an evaluation model incorporating the learning curve, developed from the domains of the AdHopHTA project. Using System Dynamics (SD), the model was validated and calibrated as a case study to evaluate the use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in identifying dengue. This approach allowed for the analysis of the impact of the learning curve and patient demand on the revenues and costs of the healthcare system and the cost–benefit indicator associated with dengue detection. The model assesses physician competency and how different training strategies and frequencies of use affect POCUS adoption. The findings underscore the importance of integrating the learning curve into decision-making. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the barriers that limit the effective use of POCUS, particularly in resource-limited settings. It proposes a framework to improve the integration of this technology into clinical practice for early dengue detection.
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spelling doaj-art-efa638b8ad594ed7bf581dcf6e8d3fb92025-08-20T03:08:06ZengMDPI AGSystems2079-89542025-07-0113759110.3390/systems13070591Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve AnalysisSandra Usaquén-Perilla0Laura Valentina Bocanegra-Villegas1Jose Isidro García-Melo2Faculty of Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760042, ColombiaIndustrial Engineering Department, National Technological Institute of Mexico TecNM, Orizaba 94300, MexicoFaculty of Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760042, ColombiaThe development of new diagnostic technologies is accelerating, and budgetary constraints in the health sector necessitate a systematic decision-making process to acquire emerging technologies. Health Technology Assessment methodologies integrate technology, clinical efficacy, patient safety, and organizational and financial factors in this context. However, these methodologies do not include the learning curve, a critical factor in operator-dependent technologies. This study presents an evaluation model incorporating the learning curve, developed from the domains of the AdHopHTA project. Using System Dynamics (SD), the model was validated and calibrated as a case study to evaluate the use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in identifying dengue. This approach allowed for the analysis of the impact of the learning curve and patient demand on the revenues and costs of the healthcare system and the cost–benefit indicator associated with dengue detection. The model assesses physician competency and how different training strategies and frequencies of use affect POCUS adoption. The findings underscore the importance of integrating the learning curve into decision-making. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the barriers that limit the effective use of POCUS, particularly in resource-limited settings. It proposes a framework to improve the integration of this technology into clinical practice for early dengue detection.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/7/591system dynamicshealth technology assessment (HTA)point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)dengue
spellingShingle Sandra Usaquén-Perilla
Laura Valentina Bocanegra-Villegas
Jose Isidro García-Melo
Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
Systems
system dynamics
health technology assessment (HTA)
point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
dengue
title Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
title_full Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
title_fullStr Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
title_short Developing a Dynamic Simulation Model for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment and Learning Curve Analysis
title_sort developing a dynamic simulation model for point of care ultrasound assessment and learning curve analysis
topic system dynamics
health technology assessment (HTA)
point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
dengue
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/7/591
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