The CDC Improves Policy Prioritization with up to 30% Less Costs
The Issue You Tackled
Proposals to improve the US health system are commonly supported by models that have only a few variables and overlook certain processes that may delay, dilute, or defeat intervention effects.
What You Actually Did
An evidence-based dynamic simulation model with a broad national scope was developed and used to analyze various policy proposals.

The Results
The results suggest that expanding insurance coverage and improving health care quality would likely improve health status but would also raise costs and worsen health inequity, whereas a strategy that also strengthens primary care capacity and emphasizes health protection would improve health status, reduce inequities, and lower costs. A software interface allows diverse stakeholders to interact with the model through a policy simulation game called HealthBound.
Name | National Health System Reform Strategy |
---|---|
Modelers | Bobby Milstein, Jack Homer, Gary Hirsch |
Client/Participant | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Client Type | Government |
The article “Why Behavioral And Environmental Interventions Are Needed To Improve Health At Lower Cost” published in Health Affairs was winner of the Public Health Services Research (PHSR) Article of the Year.
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Upcoming Events

NATO Computer Assisted Analysis, eXercise, and eXperimentation Forum (CA2X2 Forum)
On behalf of the NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence, we are pleased to confirm that the 2023 Edition of the NATO Computer Assisted Analysis, eXercise, and eXperimentation Forum (CA2X2 Forum) will be held from 3-5 October 2023 at the ERGIFE PALACE...
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OTHER SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
System Dynamics Unravels ICU Tensions at the Portuguese Oncology Institute
System Dynamics Unravels ICU Tensions at the Portuguese Oncology Institute EXECUTIVE Summary The Portuguese Oncology Institute (IPO) faced a critical challenge in its intensive care unit (ICU) where doctors and nurses experienced high turnover due to tensions with...
System Dynamics Helps Farmers Escape Poverty Trap in Guatemala
System Dynamics Helps Farmers Escape Poverty Trap in Guatemala EXECUTIVE Summary Guatemala holds the 4th highest global ranking for chronic malnutrition, and climate change is intensifying the challenges subsistence farmers face in providing food for their families....
Twinings Uses System Dynamics Games to Enhance HR Capability
Twinings Uses System Dynamics Games to Enhance HR Capability “Realistic simulation is a powerful approach to building capability. The business simulation developed [by Dashboard Simulations and Lane4] gave [Twinings staff] an experience that called for them to develop...
Recent Posts
Call for Presenters: Seminar Series
Call for Presenters: Seminar Series We at the System Dynamics Society are continually seeking vibrant and knowledgeable presenters for our ongoing Seminar Series. As we unfold the calendar, there’s always a place for more insights, experiences, and expertise to enrich...
Honoring Excellence: A Glimpse into the Awards of the International System Dynamics Conference
Honoring Excellence: A Glimpse into the Awards of the International System Dynamics Conference The International System Dynamics Conference brings together experts, practitioners, and students to exchange ideas, showcase real-world applications, and celebrate...
From Bergen to Global: UiB’s System Dynamics Group
From Bergen to Global: UiB’s System Dynamics Group The System Dynamics Group, an autonomous research group at the University of Bergen (UiB) was established in 1971 by professor emeritus Svein Nordbotten. Inspired by the work of Jay W. Forrester, Nordbotten...
Upcoming Events



NATO Computer Assisted Analysis, eXercise, and eXperimentation Forum (CA2X2 Forum)
On behalf of the NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence, we are pleased to confirm that the 2023 Edition of the NATO Computer Assisted Analysis, eXercise, and eXperimentation Forum (CA2X2 Forum) will be held from 3-5 October 2023 at the ERGIFE PALACE...