A discrete-event simulation model for analyzing and improving operations in a blood collection center

Many literature reviews highlighted that the attention dedicated to the vdonation step of the blood supply chain is marginal, in comparison to other stages (e.g. storage). Motivated by this, we built a Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) model to study the daily operations in a blood collection center (BCC). We also included a feedback loop from the DES to the appointment scheduling level. The DES model was built in a parametric form, to allow maximal flexibility and customization. We had a twofold aim: i) analyzing and comparing different center configurations; ii) evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of donor schedules defined beforehand thanks to the loop, which allowed to adjust planning decisions if they determined operational criticalities or infeasibilities. We tested the DES considering the data of a real Italian provider. We designed an experimental plan to compare different scenarios for the chosen BCC. We selected the best ones using the perspectives of the three main stakeholders involved (donors, BCC personnel and BCC managers). These configurations were used to test the feedback loop. Results confirmed the appropriateness of the proposed DES model. It can be used as a decision support tool for dimensioning and managing a BCC, either as a standalone tool or in conjunction with a higher-level scheduler, exploiting the feedback loop. Thanks to its parametric form and inherent flexibility, it is capable of being deployed in a variety of use-cases.