title: The Study of an Optimal Robust Design and Adjustable Ordering Strategies in the HSCM.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish a hospital supply chain management (HSCM) model in which three kinds of drugs in the same class and with the same indications were used in creating an optimal robust design and adjustable ordering strategies to deal with a drug shortage. The main assumption was that although each doctor has his/her own prescription pattern, when there is a shortage of a particular drug, the doctor may choose a similar drug with the same indications as a replacement. Four steps were used to construct and analyze the HSCM model. The computation technology used included a simulation, a neural network (NN), and a genetic algorithm (GA). The mathematical methods of the simulation and the NN were used to construct a relationship between the factor levels and performance, while the GA was used to obtain the optimal combination of factor levels from the NN. A sensitivity analysis was also used to assess the change in the optimal factor levels. Adjustable ordering strategies were also developed to prevent drug shortages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Services Administration, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jian-Koa N. Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan ; Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jian-Koa N. Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hung-Chang
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.affiliation: Department of Distribution Management, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, No. 129, Sanmin Road, Sec. 3, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yan-Kwang
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jian-Koa N. Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan ; Department of Applied Foreign Languages, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jian-Koa N. Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ya-huei
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006750:Hospital Distribution Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations