Use of a novel application to optimize aircraft utilization for non-urgent patient transfers. MacDonald, R. D., Ahghari, M., Carnes, T. A., Henderson, S. G., & Shmoys, D. B. Air Medical Journal, 30(5):255, 2011.
Use of a novel application to optimize aircraft utilization for non-urgent patient transfers [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   1 download  
Aircraft are used for interfacility patient transfers to provide timely transfer to referral centers. Some transfers are non-emergent and can be scheduled and routed for efficient aircraft use. Commercial airlines have comprehensive programs and infrastructure to ensure optimized flight schedules and aircraft utilization. Air medical services operate on a smaller scale, do not operate on a fixed schedule, and cannot predict demand or utilization due to the nature of their service. However, air ambulance services have the same need to optimize utilization to minimize cost while meeting demand. Optimized deployment of air medical resources enhance access while decreasing cost.

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