Positioning of aerial ambulances to improve health care access: A framework using fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy ANP

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
en
Date
2023
Authors
Ghaderi M
Jahantigh FF
Koushan, Mona
Wood LC
Abstract

Air ambulances are a crucial enabler of emergency health care because of their high speed, ability to reach impassable areas, relocate more patients, provide better treatment while carrying patients, and ease of access to the hospital without traffic or sudden accidents. The right location must be selected according to scientific principles that address relevant factors to increase air ambulance efficiency in an emergency. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted to solve the problem of identifying the best locations for aerial ambulances, combining three distinct methods. The first step was to identify criteria affecting the location of air ambulances. Then, the location was determined using a fuzzy analytical network process model coupled with a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique and a geographic information system. To examine the method, a case study was conducted in a province in southeast Iran. Case study results showed insufficient aerial ambulance stations and roads to meet the need. This study provides helpful information for city planners and health policymakers to determine the optimal location of air ambulances by analyzing geographical conditions and barriers to delivering high-quality care to remote area. The study can contribute to more sustainable cities through better health services for communities.

Description
Citation
Ghaderi M, Jahantigh FF, Koushan M, Wood LC (2023). Positioning of aerial ambulances to improve health care access: A framework using fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy ANP. International Journal of Healthcare Management. 1-12.
Keywords
Air Ambulances, Location, Geographic Information System (GIS),, Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (ANP), Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
32 - Biomedical and clinical sciences::3202 - Clinical sciences::320207 - Emergency medicine
35 - Commerce, management, tourism and services::3509 - Transportation, logistics and supply chains::350901 - Air transportation and freight services
46 - Information and computing sciences::4602 - Artificial intelligence::460207 - Modelling and simulation
46 - Information and computing sciences::4602 - Artificial intelligence::460204 - Fuzzy computation
46 - Information and computing sciences::4602 - Artificial intelligence::460209 - Planning and decision making
Rights
All rights reserved unless otherwise stated