A healthcare location-allocation model with an application of telemedicine for an earthquake response phase

Abstract

Researchers have focused on finding ways of reducing natural disaster losses for decades. In recent times, technological advancements have improved the health care system and transformed emergency relief operations. An emerging medical advancement is telemedicine. The application of telemedicine has the potential to reduce the burden on the main trauma centers and hospitals after a significant earthquake occurs. The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical. A well-planned medical response, although just one component of the disaster management process, plays a vital role in reducing mortality and morbidity. In this study, we propose a new modeling framework to optimize the selection and establishment of temporary health facilities in an area struck by a significant earthquake, and to allocate healthcare professionals, such as doctors, who can provide in-person and virtual care to the victims. The objective of the model is to minimize the total unsatisfied healthcare demand. The framework is particularly useful in low-income countries, where natural disasters quickly deplete medical and social resources. The application of the model is numerically illustrated using data from the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake in Pakistan. The results obtained are presented and discussed in the paper.