ORAHS2024
Abstract Submission

141. Navigating Hospital Operations Through Simulation: A Study of Urban Flooding Disasters and Physical Damage Impact

Contributed abstract in session TB-4: Modeling and Simulation /1, stream Regular talks.

Tuesday, 11:00-12:30
Room: Room S3

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Sorour Farahi
Southampton Business School, University of Southampton
2. Steffen Bayer
Southampton Business School, University of Southampton
3. Stephan Onggo
Southampton Business School, University of Southampton
4. Sally Brailsford
Southampton Business School, University of Southampton

Abstract

One consequence of disasters is physical damage to hospital buildings. In such situations, hospitals must continue operations despite being partly damaged or destroyed. Urban flooding is a specific example of a natural disaster that can result in physical damage to hospitals, affecting their ability to recover. While a number of studies have explored whole-hospital modelling, this research focuses specifically on investigating the effects of urban flooding disasters on hospital recovery and the influence of various policies. To address this, we developed a discrete-event simulation model of an entire hospital. A unique feature of this model is its ability to track patient outcomes using health utilities, which are assessed throughout the hospital process to evaluate performance. Focused on the dual challenge of disrupted treatment for routine patients and urgent care for disaster victims, this research examines the critical consequences of balancing the needs of these two patient categories. The model experiments with two categories of scenarios: disaster situations and response policies. The results from the simulation model will provide actionable recommendations for policymakers at the hospital level to apply in their hospital disaster management plans.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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