A review of computerized hospital layout modelling techniques and their ethical implications
TL;DR: A critical review of past and present hospital layout modelling techniques discusses their capabilities and limitations, and enables readers to consider ethical values while critiquing the epistemology of computational processes hidden beneath algorithmic outputs.
Abstract: Purpose This paper reviews an area of interdisciplinary collaboration in the design of healthcare facilities that attempts to optimize hospital space-planning using automated statistical techniques from the discipline of Operations Research (OR). This review articulates Facility Layout Problems (FLPs) as a general class of OR problems. Furthermore, the review highlights limitations of these techniques, which necessitate an ethical and participatory engagement with computerized processes of healthcare architecture. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth critical review was carried out, which revealed a number of common themes, collectively theorized as metamodeling processes, or models of models, through which various FLP modelling techniques can be challenged and debated in terms of their architectural viability, and ethical ramifications. Findings This review provides a methodological basis for the further evaluation of computational models. It was found that most of the reviewed studies are functionally focused on flow efficiency and, in general, do not consider broader contextual, relational, social, or salutogenic design values. Originality/value This review is the first on the subject written from an architectural perspective. It can be used by a broad range of readers as its critical review of past and present hospital layout modelling techniques discusses their capabilities and limitations. As such, it also enables them to consider ethical values while critiquing the epistemology of computational processes hidden beneath algorithmic outputs.
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01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: This review covers three classes of layout problems, namely row layout, unequal-areas layout, and multifloor layout and summarizes the main contributions made using mathematical optimization, mostly mixed integer linear optimization and conic optimization.
Abstract: Facility layout problems are an important class of operations research problems that has been studied for several decades. Most variants of facility layout are NP-hard, therefore global optimal solutions are difficult or impossible to compute in reasonable time. Mathematical optimization approaches that guarantee global optimality of solutions or tight bounds on the global optimal value have nevertheless been successfully applied to several variants of facility layout. This review covers three classes of layout problems, namely row layout, unequal-areas layout, and multifloor layout. We summarize the main contributions to the area made using mathematical optimization, mostly mixed integer linear optimization and conic optimization. For each class of problems, we also briefly discuss directions that remain open for future research.
92 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: A gradient-free constrained optimization problem to generate and reconfigure the hospital room interior layout to minimize the risk of falls is formulated and a significant improvement in patient fall risk is demonstrated.
Abstract: Despite years of research into patient falls in hospital rooms, falls and related injuries remain a serious concern to patient safety. In this work, we formulate a gradient-free constrained optimization problem to generate and reconfigure the hospital room interior layout to minimize the risk of falls. We define a cost function built on a hospital room fall model that takes into account the supportive or hazardous effect of the patient's surrounding objects, as well as simulated patient trajectories inside the room. We define a constraint set that ensures the functionality of the generated room layouts in addition to conforming to architectural guidelines. We solve this problem efficiently using a variant of simulated annealing. We present results for two real-world hospital room types and demonstrate a significant improvement of 18% on average in patient fall risk when compared with a traditional hospital room layout and 41% when compared with randomly generated layouts.
4 citations
Cites background or methods from "A review of computerized hospital l..."
...In hospital department layout planning the location of hospital departments are rearranged to improve metrics such as patient travel time and relocation cost [Jamali et al., 2020]....
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...However, so far the application of machine learning methods have been limited in efficacy for large scale or detailed problems [Wu et al., 2018, Jamali et al., 2020]....
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13 Mar 2014
TL;DR: A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation for the Operating Theater Layout problem is proposed, which uses a multi-goal approach to optimize two objectives: the first quantitative objective minimizes the interdepartmental traveling costs, whereas the second qualitative objective maximizes the closeness of the facilities.
Abstract: Facility Layout Problem (FLP) has been widely used in industrial systems to manage the space and the facilities within the floor space. The layout has a great impact on the productivity and the efficiency of running an organization. In health care systems, FLP is applied to hospital layout in a way to improve the health process, but the Operating Theater layout has received less attention instead of its importance. Existing research dealing with the OT Layout were based on graph theoretic methods, which ignore the size, the orientation and the shape of rooms and just focused on the desirable adjacency objective. This paper proposes a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation for the Operating Theater Layout problem. The formulation uses a multi-goal approach to optimize two objectives: the first quantitative objective minimizes the interdepartmental traveling costs, whereas the second qualitative objective maximizes the closeness of the facilities. The presented model determines the position and orientation of each activity according to the OT international standards. The applicability of the model is demonstrated on four illustrative examples using commercial optimization software.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a generative design workflow for three major hospital layout planning steps to satisfy multiplex configurational requirements is proposed, where the initial step is stacking through clustering functional spaces into floor plans, for which a spectral method is presented.
2 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation for the Operating Theater Layout problem is proposed, which uses a multi-goal approach to optimize two objectives: the first quantitative objective minimizes the interdepartmental traveling costs, whereas the second qualitative objective maximizes the closeness of the facilities.
Abstract: The focus of this paper is on facilities with multiple sections where the material transport between sections occurs through corridors. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation for the Operating Theater Layout problem is proposed. The formulation uses a multi-goal approach to optimize two objectives: the first quantitative objective minimizes the interdepartmental traveling costs, whereas the second qualitative objective maximizes the closeness of the facilities. The presented model determines the position and orientation of each activity according to the OT international standards. The applicability of the model is demonstrated on four illustrative examples using commercial optimization software.
1 citations
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01 Jan 1979
42,654 citations
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01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: The second edition of a quarterly column as discussed by the authors provides a continuing update to the list of problems (NP-complete and harder) presented by M. R. Garey and myself in our book "Computers and Intractability: A Guide to the Theory of NP-Completeness,” W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1979.
Abstract: This is the second edition of a quarterly column the purpose of which is to provide a continuing update to the list of problems (NP-complete and harder) presented by M. R. Garey and myself in our book ‘‘Computers and Intractability: A Guide to the Theory of NP-Completeness,’’ W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1979 (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘[G&J]’’; previous columns will be referred to by their dates). A background equivalent to that provided by [G&J] is assumed. Readers having results they would like mentioned (NP-hardness, PSPACE-hardness, polynomial-time-solvability, etc.), or open problems they would like publicized, should send them to David S. Johnson, Room 2C355, Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ 07974, including details, or at least sketches, of any new proofs (full papers are preferred). In the case of unpublished results, please state explicitly that you would like the results mentioned in the column. Comments and corrections are also welcome. For more details on the nature of the column and the form of desired submissions, see the December 1981 issue of this journal.
40,020 citations
Book•
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TL;DR: This book explores the meta-heuristics approach called tabu search, which is dramatically changing the authors' ability to solve a host of problems that stretch over the realms of resource planning, telecommunications, VLSI design, financial analysis, scheduling, spaceplanning, energy distribution, molecular engineering, logistics, pattern classification, flexible manufacturing, waste management,mineral exploration, biomedical analysis, environmental conservation and scores of other problems.
Abstract: From the Publisher:
This book explores the meta-heuristics approach called tabu search, which is dramatically changing our ability to solve a hostof problems that stretch over the realms of resource planning,telecommunications, VLSI design, financial analysis, scheduling, spaceplanning, energy distribution, molecular engineering, logistics,pattern classification, flexible manufacturing, waste management,mineral exploration, biomedical analysis, environmental conservationand scores of other problems. The major ideas of tabu search arepresented with examples that show their relevance to multipleapplications. Numerous illustrations and diagrams are used to clarifyprinciples that deserve emphasis, and that have not always been wellunderstood or applied. The book's goal is to provide ''hands-on' knowledge and insight alike, rather than to focus exclusively eitheron computational recipes or on abstract themes. This book is designedto be useful and accessible to researchers and practitioners inmanagement science, industrial engineering, economics, and computerscience. It can appropriately be used as a textbook in a masterscourse or in a doctoral seminar. Because of its emphasis on presentingideas through illustrations and diagrams, and on identifyingassociated practical applications, it can also be used as asupplementary text in upper division undergraduate courses.
Finally, there are many more applications of tabu search than canpossibly be covered in a single book, and new ones are emerging everyday. The book's goal is to provide a grounding in the essential ideasof tabu search that will allow readers to create successfulapplications of their own. Along with the essentialideas,understanding of advanced issues is provided, enabling researchers togo beyond today's developments and create the methods of tomorrow.
6,373 citations
TL;DR: Few review types possess prescribed and explicit methodologies and many fall short of being mutually exclusive, but this typology provides a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews, both within health information and the wider health care domain.
Abstract: Background and objectives : The expansion of evidence-based practice across sectors has lead to an increasing variety of review types. However, the diversity of terminology used means that the full potential of these review types may be lost amongst a confusion of indistinct and misapplied terms. The objective of this study is to provide descriptive insight into the most common types of reviews, with illustrative examples from health and health information domains. Methods : Following scoping searches, an examination was made of the vocabulary associated with the literature of review and synthesis (literary warrant). A simple analytical framework—Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA)—was used to examine the main review types. Results : Fourteen review types and associated methodologies were analysed against the SALSA framework, illustrating the inputs and processes of each review type. A description of the key characteristics is given, together with perceived strengths and weaknesses. A limited number of review types are currently utilized within the health information domain. Conclusions : Few review types possess prescribed and explicit methodologies and many fall short of being mutually exclusive. Notwithstanding such limitations, this typology provides a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews, both within health information and the wider health care domain.
5,571 citations