Computer modeling for disaster medicine. An approach to automated analysis of solutions for organizing mobile medical hospitals

Abstract

Experts of authority bodies increasingly use simulation tools to evaluate the effectiveness of medical units. This paper suggests a structure and develops a simulation model of a mobile medical hospital that allows one to estimate the workload of each hospital department depending on the intensity of the incoming flow of wounded. A simulation system for analyzing and visualizing data is built. It can be used to make decisions on the distribution and mobilization of forces and means of medical services in combat conditions. Data for building the model were obtained from the reference medical literature. Separate medical organizations in the city of Sumy and combat medics working at the border area also provided their suggestions. The simulation was performed in the FlexSim program. The discrete-event model is based on a mathematical apparatus used to estimate the timing of medical treatment during shelling, fires, and other emergencies. These include such parameters as the duration of medical care, the average waiting time for the wounded in queues, etc. The simulation model provides an opportunity to display information about the workload of each department, which allows one to quickly make decisions about the allocation of forces and resources in the necessary departments of the hospital. The usage of a simulation model of a medical hospital by the Armed Forces of Ukraine will make it possible to manage in real time the effectiveness of providing medical care to the wounded in war zones.