Prioritization of Scheduled Surgeries Using Fuzzy Decision Support and Risk Assessment Methods

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a method to minimize the risk of cancellation of planned surgery in hospital orthopedic departments. The paper proposes a method that combines multi-criteria and multi-faceted risk assessment. Two data sources are used: a fuzzy FTOPSIS method, combined with FMEA assessment. The FMEA method presented in this paper uses the technique of prioritizing preferences according to FTOPSIS similarity to the ideal solution and belief structure, in order to overcome the shortcomings of traditional FMEA indicators. Finally, a numerical case study of process optimization for elective surgery in a Polish clinic is presented. The focus was on planned hip replacements. The effectiveness of the method in assessing the main factors influencing cancellation of elective surgery is demonstrated. A high accuracy of the results and wide adaptability of the method to other areas are features of the combination of the abovementioned methods. The problem addressed in this publication is the high rate of cancellation of elective surgery. The selection of relevant criteria, their importance, and the preferences of the patients were studied. The results of the method provide a viable action plan for the proposed research problem. The proposed method is multifaceted and can be part of an information system to support reorganization, restructuring, and modification of an operational process.