Suchergebnisse

A MODEL OF SERVICE USE IS EMPLOYED TO INTERPRET DATA ON APPROPRIATENESS OF SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF) UTILIZATION BY MEDICAID PATIENTS. THE ANALYSIS REVEALS THAT BEDS PER CAPITA IS A POOR INDICATOR OF THE RELATIVE PROBABILITY THAT AN AREA IS OVERBEDDED, & SUGGESTS A MORE DISCRIMINATING RESPONSE TO VARIATIONS IN THE SUPPLY OF SNF BEDS.

We compare two methods for dividing an interrupted time-series study between baseline and experimental phases when study resources are limited. In fixed designs the baseline duration is chosen before the baseline begins. In flexible designs the baseline duration is not predetermined but made contingent on remaining resources and the degree to which the results match the prior expectations of the evaluator. Flexible designs are much pre ferred when the evaluator's priors are of good quality.

We develop a methodology for evaluating a decision strategy
generated by a stochastic optimization model. The methodology is
based on a pilot study in which we estimate the distribution of
performance associated with the strategy, and define an appropriate
stratified sampling plan. An algorithm we call filtered search
allows us to implement this plan efficiently. We demonstrate the
approach's advantages with a problem in asset / liability management
for an insurance company.