Combining Discrete Event Simulation with Multicriteria Decision Analysis: A Decision Support Methodology to Improve Efficiency in the Cath Lab

21/11/2019

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories (Cath Labs) are pressured to be efficient in economic and operational terms. Regularly, in an attempt to improve the efficiency in these units, managers make decisions without any objective foundation. This thesis develops a new approach, called MultiSim, that aims to support laboratory management in the implementation of efficiency improvement measures. MultiSim proposes, through a sociotechnical approach, combining Discrete Event Simulation (DES) with Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in an integrated format. The methodology framework starts with the structuring of efficiency challenge in the Cath Lab workflow. Then, based on the principles of multicriteria analysis, a set of criteria to appraise the efficiency in the Cath Lab workflow is defined. In a decision conference, improvements in these criteria are assessed by the Cath Lab team, which also helps create a sense of common purpose among the team members. The simulation model is then built to evaluate the operational impact of alternative measures in a quick and costless way. To conclude, within viable measures, MultiSim prioritizes those that best incorporate the perspective of efficiency of Cath Lab workflow key players who especially valued improvements in ‘Agility between procedures’ and ‘Efficiency of admission process’, in that order of preference. The first requires a proper allocation of responsibilities among team members and the second, a better pre exam assessment and hiring of a full-time administrative assistant. MultiSim has achieved its main objective: align a multidisciplinary team towards a common goal and advise on future efficiency improvement measures.

Autores da comunidade :

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  P

  Paulina Gabriela Lima da Rocha

  ist181160

Orientadores desta instituição:

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  M

  Mónica Duarte Correia de Oliveira

  ist14410

industrial-biotechnology - Biotecnologia Industrial

eng - Inglês

Instituto Superior Técnico