Abstract
When planning a new development, location decisions have always been a major issue. This paper examines and compares two modelling methods used to inform a healthcare infrastructure location decision. Two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) models were developed to support the optimisation of this decision-making process, within a National Health Service (NHS) organisation, in the UK. The proposed model structure is based on seven criteria (environment and safety, size, total cost, accessibility, design, risks and population profile) and 28 sub-criteria. First, Evidential Reasoning (ER) was used to solve the model, then, the processes and results were compared with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). It was established that using ER or AHP led to the same solutions. However, the scores between the alternatives were significantly different; which impacted the stakeholders’ decision-making. As the processes differ according to the model selected, ER or AHP, it is relevant to establish the practical and managerial implications for selecting one model or the other and providing evidence of which models best fit this specific environment. To achieve an optimum operational decision it is argued, in this study, that the most transparent and robust framework is achieved by merging ER process with the pair-wise comparison, an element of AHP. This paper makes a defined contribution by developing and examining the use of MCDA models, to rationalise new healthcare infrastructure location, with the proposed model to be used for future decision. Moreover, very few studies comparing different MCDA techniques were found, this study results enable practitioners to consider even further the modelling characteristics to ensure the development of a reliable framework, even if this means applying a hybrid approach.
Highlights
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has a requirement to develop reliable, robust and transparent operational decision-making processes; and, when appropriate, to include the local population within the process (Department of Health (DoH), 2010)
To direct the study two specific research questions (RQ) were developed: RQ1: Are the operational processes and outcomes significantly different according to the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model implemented: Evidential Reasoning (ER) or Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP); RQ2: According to the decision-makers, what is the most reliable and appropriate modelling techniques to provide a rational, inclusive and transparent operational solution?
The research is designed around a series of eight workshops; it was adopted to gather rich data in order to develop an understanding of the use of Evidential Reasoning and Analytical Hierarchy Process, as well as understanding the socio-technical processes informing the final location decision
Summary
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has a requirement to develop reliable, robust and transparent operational decision-making processes; and, when appropriate, to include the local population within the process (Department of Health (DoH), 2010). The infrastructure site decision influences and shapes the overall healthcare network within an area. It is a delicate decision for the local population who are traditionally consulted via a mailed questionnaire. This method is not the most rational or transparent way for optimising the location and other methods are needed to improve the site location decision-making process
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
