Supporting decision making to improve the performance of an Italian Emergency Medical Service
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2016
Citazione:
Supporting decision making to improve the performance of an Italian Emergency Medical Service / R. Aringhieri, G. Carello, D. Morale. - In: ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH. - ISSN 0254-5330. - 236:1(2016 Jan), pp. 131-148. [10.1007/s10479-013-1487-0]
Abstract:
An Emergency Medical Service (EMS) plays a fundamental role in providing good quality health care services to citizens, as it provides the first answer in distressing situations. Early response, one of the key factors in a successful treatment of an injury, is strongly influenced by the performance of ambulances, which are sent to rescue the patient. Here we report the research carried on by the authors on the ambulance location and management in the Milano area (Italy), as a part of a wider research project in collaboration with the EMS of Milano and funded by Regione Lombardia. The question posed by the EMS managers was clear and, at the same time, tricky: could decision making tools be applied, based on the currently available data, to provide suggestions for decision makers? To answer such a question, three different studies have been carried on: first the evaluation of the current EMS system performance through statistical analysis; then the study of operational policies which can improve the system performance through a simulation model; and finally the definition of an alternative set of posts through an optimization model. This paper describes the methodologies underlying such studies and reports on how their main findings were crucial to help the EMS in changing its organization model.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Ambulance; Decision making; Emergency Medical Services; Optimization; Simulation
Elenco autori:
R. Aringhieri, G. Carello, D. Morale
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