Yiwen Cao, a fourth-year Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) student at the University of Southern California, received the prestigious Bruce Schackman Award for Outstanding Presentation in Health Services, Outcomes, and Policy Research at the October 2023 Society for Medical Decision-Making Conference. This recognition highlights the exceptional quality and potential impact of Cao’s research in healthcare decision-making.
Cao’s award-winning work, titled “Accounting for Patient Frailty in Medical Decision-Making: a Microsimulation of Vascular Access Outcomes in Hemodialysis,” addresses a critical issue in the treatment of over 500,000 Americans currently on hemodialysis. The research explores whether the standard “fistula-first” approach for vascular access is appropriate for all patients, particularly those who are older and frailer.
Using a Monte Carlo microsimulation model, Cao and her collaborators examined the outcomes of different vascular access types – central venous catheters, arteriovenous fistulas, and arteriovenous grafts – in 80-year-old patients. Their findings suggest that the choice between fistulas and grafts should depend on each patient challenging the one-size-fits-all “fistula-first” method typically used. “We recommend personalized vascular access strategies tailored to each patient’s health profile,” said Cao.
“I am truly honored to receive this award, which acknowledges our efforts in improving personalized healthcare decision-making for vulnerable populations,” Cao said. “This recognition further inspires me to continue addressing real-world healthcare challenges through innovative, data-driven IE/OR approaches.”
Cao’s research shows how ISE students are using engineering skills to tackle complex healthcare issues. Her work not only contributes to improving medical decision making but shows the potential industrial engineering can have on improving patient care and personalizing treatments.
Published on September 10th, 2024Last updated on September 10th, 2024