The Population Health Model (POHEM): an overview of rationale, methods and applications

• DOI: 10.1186/s12963-015-0057-x
• Publication Date: 2015-09-02T11:27:46Z
• Authors: Deirdre A. Hennessy; William M. Flanagan; Peter Tanuseputro; Carol Bennett; Meltem Tuna; Jacek Kopec; Michael C. Wolfson; Douglas G. Manuel
• Keywords: Health Services Research; Population Health; Health Economics

The POpulation HEalth Model (POHEM) is a health microsimulation model that was developed at Statistics Canada in the early 1990s. POHEM draws together rich multivariate data from wide range of sources to simulate lifecycle Canadian population, specifically focusing on aspects health. dynamically simulates individuals' disease states, risk factors, and determinants, order describe project outcomes, including incidence, prevalence, life expectancy, health-adjusted quality life, healthcare costs. Additionally, conceptualized built with ability assess impact policy program interventions, not limited those taking place system, status Canadians. Internationally, other models have been used inform clinical guidelines policies relation complex system problems. This paper provides high-level overview rationale, methodology, applications POHEM. Applications cardiovascular disease, physical activity, cancer, osteoarthritis, neurological diseases are highlighted.