| Article ID: | iaor20126108 |
| Volume: | 15 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| Start Page Number: | 293 |
| End Page Number: | 309 |
| Publication Date: | Dec 2012 |
| Journal: | Health Care Management Science |
| Authors: | Shah Nilay, Denton Brian, Underwood Daniel, Zhang Jingyu, Inman Brant |
| Keywords: | optimization, simulation: applications, heuristics: genetic algorithms, stochastic processes |
We describe a simulation optimization method to design PSA screening policies based on expected quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Our method integrates a simulation model in a genetic algorithm which uses a probabilistic method for selection of the best policy. We present computational results about the efficiency of our algorithm. The best policy generated by our algorithm is compared to previously recommended screening policies. Using the policies determined by our model, we present evidence that patients should be screened more aggressively but for a shorter length of time than previously published guidelines recommend.