A network flow model for inventory management and distribution of influenza vaccines through a healthcare supply chain. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hovav, Sharon; Tsadikovich, Dmitry
• Is Part Of: Operations research for health care. Volume 5(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Vaccination -- Influenza -- cost–benefit -- Inventory replenishment policy; Medical care -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Operations research -- Periodicals; Operations Research -- Periodicals; Health Services Research -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; 362.106805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orhc.2015.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-6923

Abstract

Abstract: Influenza epidemics impose great losses in both human and financial terms. Billions of dollars are spent annually on vaccination programs aimed at fighting seasonal influenza outbreaks. A key question arising in large-scale vaccination programs is how to minimize the program costs while maintaining a required standard of public benefits. We suggest an operational research approach for solving this problem using supply chain concepts and techniques. Specifically, we consider a constrained cost minimization problem from the perspective of a healthcare organization (HCO). The HCO is assumed to consist of distribution centers clinics and to be a major provider of vaccination services. We seek to decrease the total monetary expenses of the HCO while taking into account public benefits of the vaccination program. A mathematical model based on network flow analysis is suggested. A real-world application of the developed methodology is presented.