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The problem of the last bed: Contextualization and a new simulation framework for analyzing physician decisions

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  • Azcarate, Cristina
  • Esparza, Laida
  • Mallor, Fermin

Abstract

Faced with a full Intensive Care Unit (ICU), physicians need to decide between turning away a new patient in need of critical care and creating a vacancy by prematurely discharging a current occupant. This dilemma is widely discussed in the medical literature, where the influencing factors are identified, the patient discharge process described and the patient health consequences analyzed. Nevertheless, the existing mathematical models of ICU management practices overlook many of the factors considered by physicians in real-world triage decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Azcarate, Cristina & Esparza, Laida & Mallor, Fermin, 2020. "The problem of the last bed: Contextualization and a new simulation framework for analyzing physician decisions," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:96:y:2020:i:c:s0305048318303062
    DOI: 10.1016/j.omega.2019.102120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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