Person-Specific Standardized Vulnerability Assessment in Health and Social Care

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2015:216:462-6.

Abstract

We describe an integrated person-specific standardized vulnerability assessment model designed to facilitate patient management in health and social care. Such a system is not meant to replace existing health and social assessment models but rather to complement them by providing a holistic picture of the vulnerabilities faced by a given patient. In fact, it should be seen as a screening tool for health and social care workers. One key aspect of the modeling framework is the ability to provide personalized yet standardized multi-dimensional assessments of risk based on incomplete information about the patient status, as is the case in screening situations. Specifically, we integrate a Markov chain model describing the evolution of patients in and out of vulnerable states over time with a Bayesian network that serves to customize the dynamic model. We present an application in the context of elder care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Comprehensive Health Care / standards*
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards
  • Ireland
  • Models, Organizational*
  • Patient-Centered Care / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Risk Assessment / standards
  • Social Work / standards*
  • Vulnerable Populations / classification*