Improving the Hospital Quality of Care during Winter Periods by Optimizing Budget Allocation Between Rotavirus Vaccination and Bed Expansion

Dort, Thibaut; Schecroun, Nadia; Standaert, Baudouin

Based on the limitations of the work presented here, the challenge for future research is to collect the data that more precisely estimate the parameters of the model function developed using appropriate econometric techniques for quantifying the contribution of each factor in improving QoC-scores while calibrating the model to a specific region or hospital. The model could handle multiple variables simultaneously, introducing other relevant factors, including interactions, which could be another possibility for further research development [33] . Other specifications such as generalized additive models (GAMs) or transcendental logarithmic (translog) functions could also be considered to contrast with the function we have here, avoiding making explicit assumptions on factor and scale returns. However, GAMs and translog functions are less easily translatable into an econometric model. The exercise was tested using a GAM function (i.e., QoC ¼ V c þ H c ) but the results were not robust to small variations in the parameters. 5 All-cause and acute gastroenteritis-related daily bed occupancy rates in the pediatric unit (acute care) at Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, Belgium) during winter periods (1 January-31 March) pre-versus post-vaccine introduction: a allcause bed occupancy rate; and b acute gastroenteritis-related bed occupancy rate. AGE acute gastroenteritis, BoR bed occupancy rate