How well does the recommended solution on the resource allocation algorithm work?
The recommended solution never allocates fewer than the optimal number of beds or ventilators required. We recently built into the recommended solution a cross-augmentation function that pools resources and allocates Non-ICU beds to the ICU and vice versa as needed. On occasion, the recommended solution allocates more resources than optimal when one of the theaters overcompensates for shortages in the other. The user can adjust for such situations through use of the manual solution. As an analytical tool, use of the recommended, non-prioritized and manual solutions in tandem work extremely well and allows the user to more quickly execute augmentation strategies that consider patient care, economic and operational constraints than they could through manual analysis alone.
