In this paper, we report on the development of an analytical model and a decision support tool for meeting the complex challenge of scheduling dialysis patients. The tool has two optimization objectives: First, waiting times for the start of the dialysis after the patients' arrivals must be minimized. Second, the minimization of lateness after the scheduled finish time, which is relevant for transport services, are pursued. We model the problem as a mathematical program considering clinical pathways, a limited number of nurses managing the patients, and dialysis stations. Furthermore, information about patients' drop-off and pick-up time windows at/from the dialysis unit are considered. We develop a platform in Microsoft Excel and implement the analytical model using an Open Source optimization solver. A case study from a dialysis unit in the UK shows that a user can compute a schedule efficiently and the results provide useful information for patients, caregivers, clinicians and transport services.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7153140PMC

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

analytical model
8
transport services
8
dialysis unit
8
dialysis
6
analytical approach
4
approach improving
4
improving patient-centric
4
patient-centric delivery
4
delivery dialysis
4
dialysis services
4

Similar Publications

Psychological distress, including anxiety or mood disorders, emanates from the onset of chronic/unpredictable stressful events. Symptoms in the form of maladaptive behaviors are learned and difficult to treat. While the origin of stress-induced disorders seems to be where learning and stress intersect, this relationship and molecular pathways involved remain largely unresolved.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this article, a nonlinear fractional bi-susceptible [Formula: see text] model is developed to mathematically study the deadly Coronavirus disease (Covid-19), employing the Atangana-Baleanu derivative in Caputo sense (ABC). A more profound comprehension of the system's intricate dynamics using fractional-order derivative is explored as the primary focus of constructing this model. The fundamental properties such as positivity and boundedness, of an epidemic model have been proven, ensuring that the model accurately reflects the realistic behavior of disease spread within a population.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The transition from paediatric to adult health care (i.e., 'health care transition') poses many challenges for youth with medical complexity (YMC) and their families.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Modeling the time series of scorpion stings in Southwestern Iran.

Arch Razi Inst

June 2024

Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.

Scorpion stings pose a significant public health concern in Iran, resulting in approximately 45,000-50,000 cases and 19 deaths annually. The Khuzestan and Hormozgan provinces have the highest reported incidence rates, with an estimated 36,000 cases each year. This study focused on modeling the time series data of scorpion stings, specifically in Shoushtar City, from 2017 to 2022.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In a slim-floor structural system, beams and slabs are placed at the same level, reducing the overall floor height and material usage in vertical structures, thereby improving economic efficiency. The use of slim-floor structures is common practice in Finnish construction where these structures are typically constructed using hollow-concrete slabs and welded steel box beams. However, in Finland, only a few buildings utilise cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs in slim-floor structures, and none have incorporated the composite action between CLT and steel beams.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!