Abstract
Creating an effective and efficient distribution plan is a considerable challenge owing to urgency, incomplete information, and surging demands. In this study, a planning method based on a sliding time window series is designed to solve the problem of drug distribution in earthquake responses. First, this study presents a method designed to generate a series of sliding time windows considering time-varying demands. Second, a method is proposed to determine the effectiveness of the drug distribution plan according to its evaluation standards. Third, a dynamic planning model is established considering the sliding time window series and group information updates. Fourth, a simulation study is conducted to test the models and algorithms. Simulation results show that specific drug distribution plans should be provided to emergency planners in the event of an earthquake. The sliding time window series and group information updates are key factors in creating an effective drug distribution plan as part of an earthquake response.
Highlights
Earthquakes are among the most serious natural disasters that threaten human life and property
The literature shows that the number of patients with medical conditions surges shortly after an earthquake, and demand for emergency medicine increases, especially that for drugs used for disinfection, antiinfection, anesthesia, and hemostasis
In this study, sliding time window series are established based on GI update (GIU) technology to coordinate supply and demand in multiple time windows by merging time window constraints
Summary
Earthquakes are among the most serious natural disasters that threaten human life and property. Owing to the constant updating of information at an earthquake site, the dynamic evolution of a disaster situation should be considered in the drug supply and demand distribution process. Solving the distribution problem from supply centers to disaster sites under the dynamic evolution of an earthquake situation is necessary. A late decision can reduce distribution costs and unnecessary distribution risks, it may delay optimal medical distribution and increase the risk of untimely distribution owing to further deterioration during an earthquake disaster. A decision-making method for earthquake rescue drug distribution based on a sliding time window series is presented in this study. The model established in this study is applied to rescue drug distribution decision making for the Wenchuan earthquake, and the feasibility of the models is verified based on simulation analysis
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