Discrete Event Simulation of Hospital Sterilization Logistics

Abstract

This paper deals with the optimization of the flow of sterile Reusable Medical Devices (RMD) in a general hospital which takes place between the centralized sterilization department and the operating theatres, clinics, hospital departments or ER. This paper addresses the problem as a logistics optimization problem that has to be solved when redesigning processes to improve material availability and reduce cost. To address the problem, the Discrete Event Simulation (DES) method was used. The results of the simulation show that the studied problem can be solved by two different strategies. The first strategy is an acquisition of additional surgical instrument, while the second one is careful planning and automated surgery scheduling.

Keywords

• discrete event simulation
• hospital logistics
• sterilization process