Optimization of Medical Equipment Utilization in Healthcare Facilities: Analysis, Formalization, and Modeling

Abstract

The article examines the development of an optimization model for the utilization of medical equipment in healthcare institutions under conditions of digital transformation of management processes. The issues of developing optimization models for the use of medical equipment under conditions of rapid transformation and turbulent changes, as well as instability, are becoming increasingly relevant not only in Ukraine, but also internationally. There is an objective need to develop the principles and practical approaches for applying optimization models of medical equipment utilization that would ensure sufficient universality and be suitable for healthcare entities of various forms of ownership. The purpose of the study is to develop and formalize, within the framework of the analysis system, an optimization model for the use of medical equipment aimed at maximizing the number of useful procedures. The research methodology is based on a systemic approach, methods of economic and statistical analysis, comparative analysis, modeling, elements of decision-making methods, and formalization of indicators. The application of these methods made it possible to determine the main reasons necessitating the development of an optimization model for medical equipment utilization, to structure its construction and formalize it in accordance with the selected variables and constraints. As a result of the study, an information and analytical foundation was developed (a proposal was substantiated on the feasibility of forming statistical data on the availability of medical equipment in accordance with world practice; a step-by-step scheme was constructed) and an approach to forming an optimization model was substantiated (formalization was proposed), aimed at increasing the accessibility of medical services, reducing unproductive costs and ensuring the sustainable functioning of healthcare institutions. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of applying the proposed approach to improve the management accounting and control system in medical institutions, to support managerial decision-making regarding equipment modernization, planning investments and increasing the efficiency of using such assets. It was concluded that the formalization of key indicators and modeling of equipment use processes create the basis for developing an integrated decision support system in the field of resource management of healthcare institutions.