title: Reallocation of Shafa Hospital Beds in Kerman Using Goal Programming Model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In order to improve health, hospital sources such as beds and staffing should be properly allocated and used. The aim of this study is reallocation of Shafa hospital beds in Kerman using a goal-programming model.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was an applied cross-sectional study, which used the goal programming model and software WinQSB to optimize bed allocation. By review of the literature and interviews with experts, the constraints in beds allocation were identified, and using the collected data the desired model was designed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hospital beds were redistributed based on the constraints of the goal-programming model and objectives. The results showed that there was a shortage of beds in departments such as burns, GICU, HICU, cardiac surgery, emergency, and orthopedics, and excess of beds in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), ophthalmology, and neurology departments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is anticipated that the optimal allocation of hospital beds, regarding hospital activity indicators, can lead to greater justice in the provision of services and a better distribution of resources.
authors.affiliation: Ph.D. of Health Services Management, Associate Professor, Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Hossein
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Mehrolhasani
authors.affiliation: Ph.D. Candidate of Health Services Management, Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Sajad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khosravi
authors.affiliation: M.Sc. of Executive Management, Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tohidi
keywords: Bed allocation; Goal programming; Inpatient bed