Modelling and optimizing health emergency services: A regional study case

ABSTRACT

Due to the many dysfunctions that are currently affecting the healthcare sector in Morocco, it is crucial to manage the Health Emergency Services Regional Network (HESs-RN) as optimally as possible in order to ensure the safety and the quality of patients care at the right time. Our objective is to improve the performance of the network at the regional level. To do that, we based our approach on modelling and simulation, using an Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS). In this paper we propose both the structuring of HESs in the form of the HESs-RN modelled as a graph, and the modelling of the HESs-RN by considering a medical emergency event as the Occurrence of events of Health Emergency (OHE). Moreover, a Decision Support Model (DSM) is proposed to manage and control at best the different HESs-RN’s OHE, and in particular to determine, in real time, the fastest path for the patient’s transfer. Finally, and in order to verify the validity of the established model, a simulation model is presented to this aim.

KEYWORDS:

• Health Regional network management
• GIS mapping
• modelling
• simulation
• decision support model

Acknowledgements

This work is part of the research project N ° SIT05/09, funded by Mohammed V University, within the framework of the agreement between this University and Ibn Sina Hospital Center.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Funding

This work was supported by Mohammed V University [grant number SIT05/09].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ibtissam Khalfaoui

Ibtissam Khalfaoui is a Phd Candidate in Mohammadia School of Engineers, her research field is in Engineering, management and systems optimization.

Amar Hammouche

Amar Hammouche is a university professor at the Mohammadia School of Engineers. His research field is in both mechanical engineering and industrial engineering.