International Journal of Computer Applications |
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA |
Volume 183 - Number 17 |
Year of Publication: 2021 |
Authors: Maurine Awuor Onyango, Joshua Agola, Samuel Liyala |
10.5120/ijca2021921521 |
Maurine Awuor Onyango, Joshua Agola, Samuel Liyala . Resource Allocation Models for Allocating Scarce Resources: A Rapid Review to Inform Referral in Pediatric Healthcare System. International Journal of Computer Applications. 183, 17 ( Jul 2021), 42-49. DOI=10.5120/ijca2021921521
Referral system plays a vital role in management of diseases in any healthcare system. However, unfavorable distribution of healthcare resources continues to hamper delivery of services particularly to pediatric patients, with estimated global mortality of 5 million every year. Whereas models for resource allocation for situating scarce resources are sufficiently documented, models for allocating resources for improving healthcare systems for pediatric patients are limited. The authors conducted a rapid review of different models for allocating scarce resources during various situations such as emergencies, epidemics and pandemics. The researchers searched Medline, EMBASE, BMC, Open Access Journals and SCOPUS from April 2005 to April 2021. They also conducted full-text screening and data abstraction independently and in duplicate. Articles were included if they were primary research, focused on models for resource allocation for a particular situation, and the model described was related to areferral system. The paper summarizes each model including their elements and operating characteristics. From 1,542 unique citations, 295 full-text articles were reviewed and 12 articles were included for analysis. Seven studies described critical emergency situations or pandemics and five described ethical models for various ailments. Of these, four studies described both protocols and ethical model for resource allocation during Covid 19. Six articles described unique triage or model criteria (two algorithm-based, three point-based) for resource allocation. Three described referral criteria, while three point-based models were good predictors of referral for improving healthcare system for pediatric patients. This review summarizes available resource allocation models to provide decision-makers with data to help select and tailor allocation of healthcare resources, considered scarce. Given the uncertainty shrouding pediatric diseases and resource availability in healthcare systems especially in the developing countries, jurisdictions should prepare by selecting and adapting a model that works best for their circumstances.