Topology design of remote patient monitoring system concerning qualitative and quantitative issues

Abstract

Piecewise linear functions have been used to model and solve non-linear problems in science, social science, and technology fields since the 1950′s. Multi-choice goal programming (MCGP) has been widely used to solve multiple objective decision-making (MODM) problems in which each goal mapping with multiple aspiration levels is allowed, expanding the original feasible region to obtain better solutions in the MODM problems. This paper integrates the efficient S-shaped penalty method, arbitrary piecewise linear utility functions, trapezoidal utility functions, and MCGP to solve a topology design problem in a remote patient monitoring system (RPMS) by providing universal senior citizen coverage in which quantitative (e.g., patient satisfaction-related cost) and qualitative (e.g., satisfaction) issues are considered simultaneously. In addition, some novel utility functions such as the force utility function, indicator utility function, and arbitrary utility function are proposed to improve the usefulness of MCGP in the field of management science. These proposed utility functions can be easily used to model qualitative issues in real-world problems. A topology design problem for an RPMS is demonstrated to justify the feasibility, usefulness, and compatibility of the proposed methods. Further, sensitivity analysis and managerial implications are provided using an RPMS in Taiwan.