Game theory to enhance stock management of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare facilities have suffered from shortages in medical resources, particularly Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In this paper, we propose a game-theoretic approach to schedule PPE orders among facilities. game, each independent facility optimises its own storage utilisation order keep cost at minimum. Such model can reduce peak demand considerably when applied variable consumption profile. Experiments conducted for NHS England regions using actual data confirm that challenge securing supply during disasters such as be eased if proper stock management procedures are adopted. These include early stockpiling, increasing capacities and implementing measures prolong time period between successive infection waves, social distancing measures. Simulation results suggest provision dedicated space viable solution avoid straining chains case second wave infections occurs.