Operations Research and Simulation in Healthcare

This book presents work on healthcare management and engineering using optimization and simulation methods and techniques, covering discrete-event simulation, patient admission scheduling, emergency department control systems, transportation, cost function networks, hospital bed management, and operating theater scheduling. It is valuable for researchers and postgraduate students in computer science, information technology, industrial engineering, and applied mathematics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of healthcare management and engineering, employing optimization and simulation methods and techniques to address various challenges and optimize processes. Within its pages, readers will find a wealth of insightful information on diverse topics such as discrete-event simulation, patient admission scheduling, simulation-based emergency department control systems, patient transportation, cost function networks, hospital bed management, and operating theater scheduling. The contributions presented in these chapters are of utmost importance to researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of computer science, information technology, industrial engineering, and applied mathematics. By exploring these subjects in depth, readers will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and best practices in healthcare management, enabling them to contribute to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.

Introduction:
Healthcare management is a complex and multifaceted field that requires the application of innovative solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and patient outcomes. In recent years, optimization and simulation methods have gained prominence as powerful tools for addressing these challenges. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare management and engineering using optimization and simulation methods and techniques.
Chapter 1:
Discrete-Event Simulation:
Discrete-event simulation is a powerful tool for modeling and analyzing complex systems, such as healthcare systems. It allows for the simulation of the behavior of individual patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities. By simulating the flow of patients through the system, researchers can identify bottlenecks, optimize patient flow, and improve resource utilization.
Chapter 2:
Patient Admission Scheduling:
Patient admission scheduling is a critical aspect of healthcare management, as it determines the availability of beds and resources for patients. Optimization techniques can be used to optimize the admission process, minimize waiting times, and improve patient satisfaction. Simulation-based approaches can also be used to evaluate the impact of different admission policies on patient outcomes.
Chapter 3:
Simulation-Based Emergency Department Control Systems:
Emergency departments are one of the busiest parts of healthcare systems, and efficient management is essential to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Simulation-based control systems can be used to optimize the allocation of resources, such as staff and beds, and improve the response time to emergencies.
Chapter 4:
Patient Transportation:
Patient transportation is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, as it ensures that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. Optimization techniques can be used to optimize the routing of transportation vehicles, minimize travel time, and improve patient satisfaction. Simulation-based approaches can also be used to evaluate the impact of different transportation policies on patient outcomes.
Chapter 5:
Cost Function Networks:
Cost function networks are a powerful tool for analyzing the financial impact of healthcare interventions. They allow for the identification of cost drivers, the optimization of cost structures, and the evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of different healthcare policies.
Chapter 6:
Hospital Bed Management:
Hospital bed management is a critical aspect of healthcare resource allocation, as it determines the availability of beds for patients. Optimization techniques can be used to optimize the allocation of beds, minimize bed turnover, and improve patient satisfaction. Simulation-based approaches can also be used to evaluate the impact of different bed management policies on patient outcomes.
Chapter 7:
Operating Theater Scheduling:
Operating theater scheduling is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, as it determines the availability of operating rooms efficiency and patient satisfaction. Optimization techniques can be used to optimize the allocation of operating theaters, minimize waiting times, and improve patient satisfaction. Simulation-based approaches can also be used to evaluate the impact of different operating theater scheduling policies on patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book presents a comprehensive overview of healthcare management and engineering using optimization and simulation methods and techniques. The contributions presented in these chapters are of utmost importance to researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of computer science, information technology, industrial engineering, and applied mathematics. By exploring these subjects in depth, readers will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and best practices in healthcare management, enabling them to contribute to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.

Weight: 385g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030452254
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021