Prospective, real-time use of an optimization application for non-urgent patient transfers using fixed wing aircraft. MacDonald, R. D., Walker, L., Ahghari, M., Carnes, T. A., Henderson, S. G., & Shmoys, D. B. Air Medical Journal, 31(5):230, 2012.
Prospective, real-time use of an optimization application for non-urgent patient transfers using fixed wing aircraft [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
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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