Simulation-based optimization for resectorization in healthcare systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main objective of the sectorization approach is to divide a vast region into symmetric sectors. Balancing accessibility of healthcare units, which is commonly between the goals of governments is closely related to the concept of sectorization. When the desired equilibrium between sectors is lost resectorization is applied. In this study, we propose a new model based on the resectorization concept for balancing the accessibility of healthcare services in a region. We consider each hospital and the patients that choose it as a sector. We define a new bi-objective function, which includes the goal of improving quality and accessibility. We use simulation-based optimization for resectorization and we portray it as a tool for policymaking based on contract mechanisms. A case study is utilized in the section on experimental results. The outcomes demonstrate that it is achievable to balance the accessibility of healthcare units with a suitable contract mechanism.