System Engineering and Productivity

System Engineering and Productivity

A Decision-making Model for the Problem of Designing the Layout of Medical Centers Considering Uncertainty

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Niloufar Kashanian Monfared 1
Nasser Safaie 2
Seyed Javad Hosseininezhad 3
1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Industrial Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 Corresponding author: Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/sep.2025.2049327.1252
Abstract
In the healthcare industry, the optimal design of the layout of medical centers, especially the emergency department, plays a vital role in improving the quality of services, increasing patient satisfaction, and improving safety. This design can help improve patient care, reduce operating costs, and optimize the use of resources. However, due to the uncertainty, the layout design of medical centers is complicated. While previous researches have focused more on deterministic approaches, the effect of uncertainty has been given less attention. This research presents a hybrid framework using fuzzy set theory and multi-criteria decision-making techniques. In the current research, first by reviewing articles and interviewing experts, 22 key indicators were identified in different dimensions of the emergency department. After distributing the fuzzy Delphi questionnaire and conducting a survey phase, seven final indicators including "length of stay", "waiting time", "admission rate", "overcrowding rate", "re-attendance rate", "time to initial assessment" and "Patients' satisfaction" were confirmed. Then, using the fuzzy hierarchical analysis method, the selected indicators were weighted and two optimal layouts were designed with the help of ALDP and KRAFT algorithms. In the end, to evaluate and rank the layouts, the method of similarity to the fuzzy ideal solution was used. The results of this research will be of great help to the managers of medical centers in optimizing the design of layout and initial design and can lead to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services.

Highlights

  • As the most critical and complex areas of any healthcare facility, hospital emergency departments require urgent and creative interventions to deal with growing challenges.
  • Proper layout is necessary for these centers that are facing limited resources in allocating departments or expanding space and infrastructure.

Keywords
Facility layout design
Multi-criteria decision making
Fuzzy TOPSIS
Fuzzy AHP
Fuzzy Delphi
Similarity to fuzzy ideal solution
Subjects

Copyright © Niloufar Kashanian Monfared, Nasser Safaie, Seyed Javad Hosseininezhad

 

License

This article is released under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone is free to copy, share, translate, and adapt this article for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as proper citation is given to the authors and original publication.

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System Engineering and Productivity
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 15
Serial No. 15, Summer Quarterly
Summer 2025
Pages 97-118

  • Receive Date 15 January 2025
  • Revise Date 11 February 2025
  • Accept Date 22 February 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 February 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025