title: An examination of patient referral and discharge policies using a multiple objective semi-Markov decision process.
abstract: A model is developed for determining an appropriate policy for referral or discharge of patients from the different modes of care in a progressive patient care facility. The objectives of the model are to achieve a high probability that the average patient recovers and to provide care at a low cost. Previous results concerning multichain semi-Markov processes are used in conjunction with vector maximum in order to generate all nondominated solutions to the problem.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schmee
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hannan
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Mirabile
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D058016:Health Facility Administration; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008390:Markov Chains; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011383:Progressive Patient Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States