Robust Multi-Objective Supply Chain Optimization of Surgical Supplies Considering Costs and Satisfaction of Surgeon, and ranking Suppliers Using ARAS Method

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 MSc., Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

2 Department of Industrial engineering, Faculty Engineering,BU-Ali Sina University,Hamedan,Iran

Abstract

Operating rooms serve as costly wards of hospitals, so any cost reduction affects the total costs. This study examined the supply chain of surgical supplies in operating rooms under uncertainty. Operating room consumable items are received from the supplier in sterile and nonsterile forms and then sent to the operating room before surgery. If the surgeon requests nonsterile items, these items are sent first to the sterile core, and then the sterilized items are transferred to the operating room. There may be requests during operation due to the patient's condition or other emergencies, like heavy bleeding and items breakdown. It is impossible to estimate statistical distribution for different situations in operations; hence, a robust approach was used for demand cases. Moreover, suppliers are different in terms of cost and quality which have a direct effect on the satisfaction of surgeons. Therefore, the present study must rank the suppliers as a problem. To do this, a model was used based on the structure of a hospital in Iran. First, the ARAS method was employed to rank suppliers, Then the augment ε-constraint was used to minimize costs and maximize surgeons’ satisfaction. Results indicated purchase cost and demand as the most effective parameters.

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