Optimization of Hospital Layout through the Application of Heuristic Technique (Diamond Algorithm) in Shafa Hospital (2009)

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate-use optimization of the limited spaces of the Iranian hospitals is believed to be a crucial step towards promoting the efficiency of these healthcare centers. The issue determining the optimization patterns of the layout of units has led to a lot of efforts by researchers as it increases the efficiency of the hospitals through patients’ improvement, changing the location of individuals, patients and facilities. It is right to say that the issue of productivity is neglected in Iranian hospitals concurrently as the question of hospitals layout is not properly addressed. METHOD: The present study is an applied research. The method of carrying out this research is based on three basic steps: In the first step, the initial layout of various wards in the subject hospital is determined after the hospital layout was received and numbered for the sake of facility. In the next step an A.R.C curve was drawn for all wards of the hospital. Then, the efficiency of the initial settlement was calculated using a diamond algorithm. On the basis of specified relationships and also the hospital current process curve, the new layout plan was presented and the efficiency was recalculated. FINDINGS: The presented layout has the capability to be utilized in a hospital unit and can encounter various conditions in the present healthcare centers. After the application of the layout improvements the efficiency of the hospital increased up to 45%. CONCLUSION: The presented layout pattern in the hospitals to increase efficiency is practically feasible and a real world experience is recommended.