A blood supply chain network design with interconnected and motivational strategies: a case study

Abstract

In the aftermath of a disaster, acquiring and fulfilling blood demand is essential to prevent further loss of lives. Consequently, in recent years, the concept of blood supply chain design for disaster relief has gained immense importance. This article addresses this issue by developing a novel bi-objective scenario-based mathematical model to minimize the system's costs while enhancing the blood supply rate. The proposed framework encompasses three echelons of blood centers, hospitals, and backup blood centers. The model is developed using a set of techniques, including backup coverage, lateral transshipment, gift card, buffer storage, and blood transfusion. This specific combination aims to reduce blood shortages in the system by improving the coordination among different echelons of the network and encouraging more eligible individuals to donate blood. Next, the model is evaluated by applying it to a case study concerning a probable dangerous earthquake in Tehran capital of Iran. Furthermore, a Lagrangian relaxation method is implemented on the model to improve its capability in dealing with larger-scale problems with higher efficiency. Finally, the results and analysis demonstrate our approach's validity and advantages in satisfying the blood demand in a disaster time.

Developing an integrated blood supply chain network in disaster conditions considering multi-purpose capabilities

“…(2023) presented a MILP model that considers multiple echelons, multiple blood types, transportation and production emissions and blood bag shelf life to maximize profit in the blood supply chain system. Nahofti Kohneh et al. (2023) proposed a novel bi-objective scenario-based mathematical model to minimize the system’s costs while enhancing the blood supply rate.…”

An optimization framework for COVID-19 vaccine allocation and inventory management: A case study

“…Li et al [35] attempted to design a plan for emergency reliefs in the case of secondary disasters through a three-stage stochastic model. Nahofti Kohneh et al [36] presented a dynamic blood supply chain design in disaster considering product perishability and lateral transshipment. They also sought to find a way to elevate the blood donation rate through motivational strategies assumption, and the model was applied to a case study concerning a probable earthquake in Iran.…”