An optimization framework to determine an optimal local sharing variance for organ allocation

In this study, we focus on the analysis of sharing variances which allow allocating organs within participating members before offering them at other levels. This type of variance has been successfully implemented in the past. For example, Florida and Tennessee created the Statewide Sharing program whereby kidneys are made available within-state donor service areas before they are made available for regional or national allocation. This program removed geographic disparities within those two states and resulted in better performance of the system in the states. Given these success stories, we propose a multi-period optimization model that can be used to determine the best policy for a local sharing program for any given OPO. We use liver allocation for the GALL OPO (i.e., LifeLink of Georgia) in the state of Georgia (USA) as a test case; however, our approach could be used for a variety of organs in any OPO.
Source: Operations Research for Health Care - Category: Hospital Management Source Type: research