I hold a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in health economics. I am currently pursuing a DPhil in Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford, where my research focuses on the cost-effectiveness of social care interventions for people living with dementia. My work combines economic evaluation, data analysis, and simulation modelling to support evidence-based decision-making in health and social care.
Primary care identification of falls risk and social care delivery of falls prevention for people living with dementia in community: model-based health economic analysis
My research uses health economic modelling to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an integrated approach to falls prevention for people living with dementia (PLWD) aged 60 and over in the community. Given that PLWD are twice as likely to fall as their cognitively healthy peers, and that falls can accelerate cognitive and physical decline, this represents a significant public health and economic challenge. Despite the availability of effective interventions, UK guidelines currently lack tailored recommendations for falls prevention in PLWD. This project addresses that gap by modelling a strategy in which primary care identifies falls risk and social care delivers prevention services such as home safety modifications. By estimating potential improvements in quality of life and reductions in health and social care costs, the research aims to inform integrated commissioning decisions and contribute to the evidence base for high-quality cognitive impairment and dementia care.
University of Oxford
Advisor: Joseph Kwon
Contact: carmen.fierro@phc.ox.ac.uk
