Fair Access Research Articles

"The bridge between school and uni, that's the bit that's missing": improving access to higher education for care-experienced students

International research has demonstrated that care-experienced young people achieve poorer educational and life course outcomes than their peers. Based on statistics from 2012, the Office for Fair Access (now the Office for Students, OfS) reported that while 60% of the general population of school leavers in the UK entered higher education (HE), only 6% of care leavers went to university. The latest data from the Department for Education (DfE) shows that this now stands at 14% of care leaversi, though growth remains slower than for the population as a whole. With rates of children taken into care increasing in Wales, there is value in understanding how best to support this group with their educational transitions. Growing from pan-Wales research into access to, and success in, HE for care-experienced young people, this paper reflects on how the experiences of care-experienced students gathered through research have been translated into action by developing a website centred around information, advice and guidance for this group and those who support them. In particular, there are reflections here on the value of collaboration between professional services and academic staff to further access and participation goals in a university setting.

ON THE ISSUE OF THE GOALS AND LEGAL PRINCIPLES OF PROVIDING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The relevance of the research topic lies in the fact that social assistance is an important component of guarantees of the social security of citizens’ social rights. The article reveals the main task of the state social policy, which is to achieve the well-being of an individual and society as a whole through fair and equal access for all citizens to state social assistance. The article is devoted to the analysis of the goals of providing social assistance to persons in need, enshrined in the Federal Law of 17.07.1999 N 178-FZ "On State Social Assistance". The purpose of the study is to analyze and clarify the objectives set out in the Law on Social Assistance, to define the legal principles of state social assistance and to disclose their content. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the research is predetermined by the set goal and objectives, as well as by the idea of the existence of universal, general scientific, private scientific and special legal research methods. The paper presents an analysis of legislation, practical experience of its use and scientific doctrine on the goals and principles of social protection and social assistance. The article reveals the concept of state social assistance; the opinions of scientists on the main goals of social protection are given. To conduct a full-fledged analysis, the subject composition of recipients of state social assistance is considered. Such subjects include low-income families, low-income citizens living alone and other categories of citizens who, for reasons beyond their control, have an average per capita income below the subsistence minimum. The result of the study. The authors propose their own formulations of the goals of social protection, assess the implementation of the goals in practice provided for in the legislation, identify the causes of emerging problems with the provision of social assistance, among which the lack of clear and concise rules for the provision of social assistance stands out. These will contribute to the development of legislation. Based on the analysis of legislation and law enforcement practice, their own principles have been put forward. These include targeting, accessibility, humanity, voluntariness, targeted use of budget funds, clarity, and equality. The article reveals the content of each of these principles. The practical and theoretical significance of the study is manifested in the fact that the improvement of legislation on social assistance should take place taking into account the goals and principles discussed in the article, which should be reflected in regulatory legal acts. It will make it possible to create a more effective system of social support for citizens and will contribute to improving the quality of life of the population. Conclusions. It is concluded that it is necessary to clarify the objectives specified in the Law, as well as to supplement it with an article containing the legal principles on which the legislation on social assistance will be based.

Best practices for Core Argo floats - part 1: getting started and data considerations

Argo floats have been deployed in the global ocean for over 20 years. The Core mission of the Argo program (Core Argo) has contributed well over 2 million profiles of salinity and temperature of the upper 2000 m of the water column for a variety of operational and scientific applications. Core Argo floats have evolved such that the program currently consists of more than eight types of Core Argo float, some of which belong to second or third generation developments, three unique satellite communication systems (Argos, Iridium and Beidou) and two types of Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) sensor systems (Seabird and RBR). This, together with a well-established data management system, delayed mode data quality control, FAIR and open data access, make the program a very successful ocean observing network. Here we present Part 1 of the Best Practices for Core Argo floats in terms of how users can get started in the program, recommended metadata parameters and the data management system. The objective is to encourage new and developing scientists, research teams and institutions to contribute to the OneArgo Program, specifically to the Core Argo mission. Only by leveraging sustained contributions from current Core Argo float groups with new and emerging Argo teams and users who are eager to get involved and are actively encouraged to do so, can the OneArgo initiative be realized. This paper presents a list of best practices to get started in the program, set up the recommended metadata, implement the data management system with the aim to encourage new scientists, countries and research teams to contribute to the OneArgo Program.

The content of the human right to health protection

This article reveals the content of the human right to health care. The difference between the concepts of the right to health and the right to health care is studied and the definition of these concepts is provided. The article analyzes the international legal acts that enshrine the right to health and examines the system of national legislation in the field of protection of the right to health care.
 The legislation of Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic and Estonia is analyzed and the differences in their legal regulation of this issue are determined.
 The three key obligations of the state regarding the right to health care are defined and divided into three categories, namely the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the duties assigned to it.
 It was emphasized the need to adopt the developed draft strategy for the development of the health care system until 2030, which has already been published for public discussion and is being prepared for adoption, in order to develop the state's medical system, promote the health and well-being of citizens by ensuring fair access to quality medical services , building sustainable health care systems.
 It was concluded that the content of the right to health care is that the state provides various favorable conditions and available high-quality goods and services necessary for the highest attainable level of health. The priority directions of the development of the domestic health care system have been determined.
 It has been established that the content of the right to health care consists in the provision by the state of a variety of favorable conditions, available and high-quality goods and services necessary for the highest attainable level of health, through ensuring access to health care facilities, high-quality goods and services on a non-discriminatory basis basis, a safe environment, as well as establishing responsibility for violations of human rights in the field of health care.

Implications for the Development of the National Capital of the Archipelago and Protection of Customary Law Communities: A Review of Law Number 3 of 2022

The construction of the National Capital City (IKN) of the Archipelago in East Kalimantan has significant implications for the customary law communities who inhabit the region. This research examines the implications of IKN development for the rights and lives of indigenous peoples based on Law Number 3 of 2022 concerning National Capital. This research uses qualitative methods with a normative juridical approach. Data was collected through document study and analysis of statutory regulations, especially Law No. 3 of 2022. The research results show that IKN development has potential positive and negative implications for customary law communities. On the one hand, IKN development can open up opportunities for access to education, health and the economy for indigenous communities. On the other hand, IKN development can also result in marginalization and deprivation of indigenous peoples' rights to customary lands and territories. Protection of the rights and lives of customary law communities in the development of IKN needs to be the government's main concern. Concrete efforts such as recognizing and establishing customary territories, involving indigenous communities in the development process, and providing fair access to resources need to be made to ensure equitable and sustainable IKN development.

Using simulation modelling to transform hospital planning and management to address health inequalities

Health inequalities are a perennial concern for policymakers and in service delivery to ensure fair and equitable access and outcomes. As health inequalities are socially influenced by employment, income, and education, this impacts healthcare services among socio-economically disadvantaged groups, making it a pertinent area for investigation in seeking to promote equitable access. Researchers widely acknowledge that health equity is a multi-faceted problem requiring approaches to understand the complexity and interconnections in hospital planning as a precursor to healthcare delivery. Operations research offers the potential to develop analytical models and frameworks to aid in complex decision-making that has both a strategic and operational function in problem-solving. This paper develops a simulation-based modelling framework (SimulEQUITY) to model the complexities in addressing health inequalities at a hospital level. The model encompasses an entire hospital operation (including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department services) using the discrete-event simulation method to simulate the behaviour and performance of real-world systems, processes, or organisations. The paper makes a sustained contribution to knowledge by challenging the existing population-level planning approaches in healthcare that often overlook individual patient needs, especially within disadvantaged groups. By holistically modelling an entire hospital, socio-economic variations in patients' pathways are developed by incorporating individual patient attributes and variables. This innovative framework facilitates the exploration of diverse scenarios, from processes to resources and environmental factors, enabling key decision-makers to evaluate what intervention strategies to adopt as well as the likely scenarios for future patterns of healthcare inequality. The paper outlines the decision-support toolkit developed and the practical application of the SimulEQUITY model through to implementation within a hospital in the UK. This moves hospital management and strategic planning to a more dynamic position where a software-based approach, incorporating complexity, is implicit in the modelling rather than simplification and generalisation arising from the use of population-based models.

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Outcomes Among Individuals With HIV and Heart Failure: A Literature Review.

This narrative review examines the complex interplay between social determinants of health (SDoH) and the outcomes for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and heart failure (HF), two conditions that pose significant socioeconomic burdens globally. With millions affected by these conditions, the review delves into how socioeconomic status, education, geography, and immigration status influence health outcomes. It further explores the exacerbating roles of stigma and mental health issues, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions and the importance of enhancing health literacy and community support. Key findings suggest that lower socioeconomic status, limited education, rural residency, and immigrant status are associated with poorer health outcomes in individuals with HIV and HF. These factors contribute to increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life, highlighting the necessity of addressing SDoH to improve patient care and outcomes. There is a critical need for integrated care models that consider the medical, social, and psychological factors affecting those with HIV and HF. Strategies proposed include improving access to care, addressing socioeconomic disparities, enhancing educational efforts, and fostering community engagement. Moreover, the importance of mental healthcare integration into the management of HIV and HF is strongly advocated to improve patient outcomes. By taking a comprehensive look at the various social challenges, embracing integrated care models, and making sure everyone has fair access to healthcare services, we can make real progress in enhancing the lives of those affected by HIV and HF. This approach cannot only lower death rates but also significantly improve the quality of life for these individuals.

MYOCARDITIS IN PEDIATRICS: A GROWING CONCERN FOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS IN PAKISTAN

Myocarditis, defined as an inflammation of the heart muscle, can pose significant challenges in pediatric cardiology due to its varied causes and potentially serious consequences. While there are several potential causes of myocarditis, for instance, autoimmune diseases and toxins, viral infections account for a large majority of cases in pediatric populations (Tschöpe et al., 2021). The frequency of myocarditis is still rather high due to the increased prevalence of viral diseases in children, especially during specific seasons; this puts a significant strain on hospital resources. Myocarditis in paediatric patients has consequences that go beyond the initial inflammatory insult to the heart. Patients affected with myocarditis can often exhibit acute heart failure, arrhythmias, and, in severe cases, cardiogenic shock (Ammirati et al., 2021). Moreover, long-term consequences can manifest as chronic heart failure, which necessitates continuous, ongoing monitoring and management to optimize cardiac function and quality of life (Upadhya and Kitzman, 2020). We have noticed a worrying trend in our pediatric cardiology practice at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, whereby approximately half of the patients who consult our outpatient and inpatient departments have left ventricular failure. A significant portion of these cases are diagnosed as viral myocarditis. We have noticed a worrying trend in our pediatric cardiology practice: about 50% of the cases that come into our outpatient and inpatient departments have left ventricular failure, and a sizable percentage of those cases are diagnosed with myocarditis. This finding not only highlights the frequency of myocarditis but also highlights the pressing need for increased awareness, prompt diagnosis, and effective management of viral myocarditis in order to reduce negative consequences in vulnerable pediatric populations. In resource-poor environments like Pakistan managing myocarditis can unique challenges. Treatment methods such as IV immunoglobulin treatment which can have proven success in some patients, are generally expensive and not readily available (Ammirati et al., 2021). This gap in access to modern treatments can further exacerbate the load on healthcare systems that are already strained by the high prevalence of myocarditis. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, proactive preventative interventions are especially important to reduce the strain on already overburdened healthcare systems. The increased frequency of myocarditis in pediatric populations can be decreased by highlighting the significance of vaccination against common viral infections linked to the illness such as adenovirus and enterovirus (Makimaa et al., 2020; Upadhya and Kitzman, 2020). In addition, raising awareness among caregivers and medical professionals about the early detection of myocarditis symptoms and the importance of promptly referring patients to specialized clinics will help to expedite intervention and enhance long-term results (Inoue et al., 2019). In summary, the growing incidence of myocarditis in pediatric patients demands a multimodal strategy that includes early detection, prevention, and complete therapeutic techniques. By addressing these issues collectively and pushing for fair access to key treatments, we can seek to lessen the impact of myocarditis on pediatric cardiac health and alleviate the load on healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Multimedia-Based Instruction in Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) Home Economics

This research determined what multimedia the home economics professors prefer in teaching the competencies needed in the BTLEd home economics program. Also, it shows what competencies students need in the identified areas of home economics and the challenges students encounter in using various multimedia for instruction. Data was retrieved from (N=42) BTLEd Home Economics students' day and evening sessions and the (N=7) professors teaching home economics subjects. The study made use of mixed-method research. For the quantitative part, students and professors completed a questionnaire using Google Forms. Where Students Needed Competencies in the Identified Major Areas in Home Economics was presented, followed by the Preferred Multimedia-Based Instruction Used by the Home Economics Professor. A qualitative research design was used to determine the challenges encountered by the students in using multimedia in the identified major areas in Home Economics. Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's (2006) model was applied to analyze the qualitative data on the challenges encountered using multimedia in Home Economics. Findings revealed four major themes of student challenges encountered in multimedia: no internet access, lack of computers and gadgets, lack of familiarity with multimedia, and computer Illiterate. To ensure that every student has fair access to digital resources and the necessary skills to use them, the school has to develop a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Program. The school will be able to handle internet access, device shortages, and digital literacy in a thorough and organized way by putting this approach into place. Providing students with the necessary skills and resources for multimedia-based learning would also promote an inclusive and fair digital learning environment.
 
 Received: 1 October 2023 / Accepted: 29 February 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

A Brief Review on Essential Medicine

The World Health Organization (WHO) initially released its list in 1977, marking the beginning of the Essential Medicine Concept, a significant advancement in medical treatment. One of the most cost-effective aspects of modern healthcare is the appropriate use of vital medications. From expert judgement to evidence-based selection, the selection process has developed. In 1996, the first Indian list was published. Particularly in the public sector and in low- and lower middle-income countries, Essential Medicine Policies (EMLs) have had an impact on the provision of medications and led to a higher availability of essential vs non-essential medicines. Even yet, fair access is not guaranteed by the accessibility of necessary medications, particularly in the public sector.

Investigating equitable access of children and seniors to urban green spaces and its relationship with neighborhood walkability: a case study of Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT This study investigates the distribution of urban green spaces for children and seniors in Tehran, delving into their connection with demographic attributes and the walkability of neighborhoods. The findings reveal an unequal distribution, confirmed by the Gini index for children (0.57) and seniors (0.62). Moreover, the Multiple Regression Analysis revealed that the apartment occupancy rate (r = –0.19) and migrant rate (r = –0.13) were inversely correlated with seniors’ access to green spaces, whereas the employment rate (r = 0.16), intersection density (r = 0.27), and land use mix (r = 0.20) exhibited positive associations. Additionally, concerning children, the findings indicated positive correlations between intersection density (r = 0.25) and land use mix (r = 0.12) and their access to green spaces. These findings underscore the importance of adopting a co-benefits strategy and taking into account demographic characteristics and neighborhood walkability in urban planning and decision-making to ensure fair access to urban green spaces for vulnerable populations. Implementing strategies like establishing green spaces in areas with lower walkability and improving neighborhood connectivity can greatly improve the accessibility of urban green spaces for both children and seniors.

The Evolution of Quality Education: Impacts and Challenges of Using Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Educational Practices (OEP) in the Conceive - Design - Implement - Operate (CDIO) Framework

This Research examines how open educational resources (OER) and open educational practices (OEP) provide fair access to high-quality education. Using qualitative research, the author evaluates university formal education OER and OEP deployment and outcomes. This research found that OER, CDIO (Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate), and single-boar computer (SBC) learning media increase curricular content and instruction. Open education encourages education community cooperation and interaction. However, copyright, quality assurance, and curricular integration persist. This Research also explores the CDIO framework to promote OER and OEP, suggesting that these four elements may alter education.

Negative effects on SMEs’ success rates when framework agreements are used in bidding for public contracts

IMPACT This article presents a critical analysis of the impact of public procurement rules on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), specifically focusing on framework agreements within the EU. Addressing procurement specialists, policy-makers, and public management professionals, the authors highlight how framework agreements, particularly in the IT sector in Spain, reduce SMEs’ chances of securing public contracts by 34%. The article speaks to practitioners at all levels of public procurement—especially those in policy development and implementation—offering valuable insights into the issues that jeopardize SME success in procurement competitions. The findings are crucial for those striving to balance administrative efficiency with fair market access for SMEs, thereby shaping a more competitive market landscape.

Tata kelola sumber daya air berkelanjutan-berkeadilan : Bagaimana Indonesia memperkuat poros maritim?

Water resources are an important aspect of human survival. However, population growth, urbanization, climate change, agricultural expansion, and industrialization have led to a rapid decline in the quality and availability of water resources. It is estimated that by 2050, the global population will reach 9.7 billion, which will increase the need for water resources. Currently, approximately 2.3 billion people live in water-critical areas, and two-thirds of the global population experiences critical water shortages for at least one month of the year. The United Nations has established Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on clean water and sanitation. Indonesia, with more than 17,000 islands, has rich water resources but is vulnerable due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. To overcome these challenges, sustainable water governance is necessary. Indonesia is already experiencing water shortages, and it is estimated that 67% of economic activity will be in areas experiencing water scarcity by 2045. In addition, Indonesia is among the ten largest groundwater-consuming countries, drawing groundwater mainly for domestic use. To overcome this challenge, the government has implemented water governance reforms through regulatory policies and infrastructure improvements. In this context, this research aims to provide an overview of the progress of sustainable water governance in Indonesia and strategies for facing challenges as a maritime axis in sustainable water governance. This study uses a systematic literature review methodology to analyze 69 articles on current water governance practices, sustainable water governance challenges, and strategies for overcoming these challenges. By adopting sustainable water governance, Indonesia can ensure fair and equitable access to water, reduce water-related conflicts, increase access to clean water and sanitation, and strengthen the country's overall environmental and economic resilience.

Teacher's Perceptions and Experiences on Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Primary and High Schools during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Teaching and acquisition of English as a foreign language (EFL) has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic in all educational settings around the world. This research paper looks into the perceptions and experiences of EFL teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina's elementary and high schools throughout the pandemic. A qualitative method - interviews with 40 teachers - was used in the study. The results show that teachers had a variety of difficulties while instructing EFL during the pandemic, including a lack of internet access, a lack of student involvement, and a lack of sufficient training in online teaching methods. However, many instructors also acknowledged the benefits, like improved adaptability and creativity in their education. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving EFL instruction both during and after the epidemic, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all students have fair access to resources and technology as well as the necessity of giving teachers more training and support. Keywords: EFL, teaching, learning, challenges, COVID-19, methods, strategies, creativity, technology, training, ICT tools

Power allocation for enhancing energy efficiency in unmanned aerial vehicle networks

SummaryThe non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) wireless networks are a robust multi‐access mechanism that serves multiple clients accessing the same resource block simultaneously. The fifth‐generation wireless networks offer huge efficiency in spectrum utilization, which can be exploited to deploy NOMA for LOS communication of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Previous research has extensively analyzed various aspects of NOMA‐UAV communication systems, including user access fairness, coverage, maximizing system capacity, and total energy efficiency. However, only a few researchers have focused on maximizing the EE of NOMA‐UAV wireless networks with user quality of service (QoS) constraints. This paper proposes a fuzzy logic‐based crossover‐based coati optimization algorithm for maximizing the energy efficiency of NOMA‐UAV, along with user scheduling. The main objective of this model is to offer a solution to the joint energy efficiency and user QoS scheduling problem. The fuzzy decision‐making strategy optimizes the energy efficiency (EE) of NOMA‐UAV by selecting appropriate power and time resources. Additionally, the crossover‐based coati optimization algorithm transforms the subchannel allocation problem into a two‐sided matching procedure. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is evaluated concerning overall residual energy, number of remaining nodes, and time consumption. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the capability of the proposed model in optimizing the energy efficiency of the NOMA‐UAV network by identifying the optimal resource set in terms of time and power while satisfying the clients' QoS.

Chat GPT: From Natural Language Processing to Responsible AI - Implications, Challenges, and Future Developments

This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of Chat GPT, a cutting- edge natural language processing technology that has rapidly gained popularity recently. With the ability to generate human-like responses and a growing capacity to understand complex language and contextual nuances, Chat GPT has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with machines and greatly enhance communication and productivity across a wide range of industries and fields. The paper covers the background and current state of Chat GPT, including its architecture, training process, and applications. It highlights the advancements made in the development of the technology, particularly the introduction of the latest version, GPT-4, which has over 100 trillion parameters compared to just 175 billion of GPT- 3.5 (500 times). It can even generate output (text, art, etc.) that is nearly indistinguishable from that made by a human. In addition to its potential benefits, the paper also examines the ethical, social, economic, and technical implications of Chat GPT. It also identifies concerns around privacy and data security, the potential for the technology to exacerbate existing biases and inequalities, and the risk of misuse or unintended consequences. It is crucial that these challenges are addressed to ensure that Chat GPT is developed and used in a responsible and beneficial manner. Furthermore, the paper discusses the regulations and policies that must be implemented to ensure the responsible development and use of Chat GPT. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, as well as the need to protect users' rights and promote fair access to the technology. The paper also explores the future developments of Chat GPT, including improvements in multilingual capabilities, emotional intelligence, and personalization. It also highlights the potential for Chat GPT to continue to evolve and improve, particularly with regards to contextual understanding and integration with human assistance. Keywords: Chat GPT, natural language processing, GPT - 4, AI, ethics, regulations, future developments, challenges, limitations, applications, multilingual capabilities, emotional intelligence, personalization.

Assessing urban park equity in Chaoyang District, Beijing using online review data

Urban parks are essential components of urban ecosystems, providing vital ecological resources for city residents. However, the rapid expansion of high-density urban areas has led to an unequal distribution of park resources, raising growing concerns about spatial equity. To address these challenges, we employed an improved Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, considering park quality variations and integrating sentiment scores from park reviews to calculate a comprehensive park accessibility index, accounting for both supply and demand dynamics among park users. The results demonstrate the significance of park management, as users prioritise convenience and cleanliness of public facilities. Recreational quality significantly influences park distribution equity, with areas near Beijing’s initial greenbelt zone showing improved accessibility (IA). Nonetheless, our analysis exposes disparities in urban park resource allocation within the Chaoyang District, indicating relative inequity. Spatial supply and demand mismatches, especially in the northwest and southeast, are evident. To enhance park layout equity, we recommend strategies like identifying and repurposing underused spaces, establishing pocket parks and micro-green areas, and improving recreational facilities. It is crucial to address the needs of vulnerable groups such as older residents and children. These insights stress the importance of ensuring fair urban park access to enhance the well-being of all city residents.

Next-generation study databases require FAIR, EHR-integrated, and scalable Electronic Data Capture for medical documentation and decision support

Structured patient data play a key role in all types of clinical research. They are often collected in study databases for research purposes. In order to describe characteristics of a next-generation study database and assess the feasibility of its implementation a proof-of-concept study in a German university hospital was performed. Key characteristics identified include FAIR access to electronic case report forms (eCRF), regulatory compliant Electronic Data Capture (EDC), an EDC with electronic health record (EHR) integration, scalable EDC for medical documentation, patient generated data, and clinical decision support. In a local case study, we then successfully implemented a next-generation study database for 19 EDC systems (n = 2217 patients) that linked to i.s.h.med (Oracle Cerner) with the local EDC system called OpenEDC. Desiderata of next-generation study databases for patient data were identified from ongoing local clinical study projects in 11 clinical departments at Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany, a major tertiary referral hospital. We compiled and analyzed feature and functionality requests submitted to the OpenEDC team between May 2021 and July 2023. Next-generation study databases are technically and clinically feasible. Further research is needed to evaluate if our approach is feasible in a multi-center setting as well.

Supporting Fair and Efficient Emergency Medical Services in a Large Heterogeneous Region

AbstractEmergency Medical Services (EMS) are crucial in delivering timely and effective medical care to patients in need. However, the complex and dynamic nature of operations poses challenges for decision-making processes at strategic, tactical, and operational levels. This paper proposes an action-driven strategy for EMS management, employing a multi-objective optimizer and a simulator to evaluate potential outcomes of decisions. The approach combines historical data with dynamic simulations and multi-objective optimization techniques to inform decision-makers and improve the overall performance of the system. The research focuses on the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in north-eastern Italy. The region encompasses various landscapes and demographic situations that challenge fairness and equity in service access. Similar challenges are faced in other regions with comparable characteristics. The Decision Support System developed in this work accurately models the real-world system and provides valuable feedback and suggestions to EMS professionals, enabling them to make informed decisions and enhance the efficiency and fairness of the system.