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A unique fuzzy multi-control approach for continuous quality improvement in a radio therapy department

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Abstract

In this study, a unique fuzzy multi-control approach for continuous quality improvement is introduced and is implemented in radio therapy department. Treatment process is one of the most important concern in healthcare department. To control this process there is a critical issue, because the periods that the patients take to the recovery should be controlled by the physicians. This study tries to control this process using the common statistical quality control methods. In addition, this paper presents a control index for patient condition. Given the decision making situations including diagnosis, determining the medicine and its value and control limit, decision making (DM) models will be used at first step. Then, process control is analyzed using statistical process control (SPC) including histogram, Pareto chart, cause and effect diagram and new fuzzy control chart. This research aims at presenting a unique control approach with fuzzy DM and SPC tools for a real radio therapy department. Moreover, these processes could be controlled and improved continuously using Deming cycle (PDCA). The case study verified and validated the design model. This is the first study that presents a unique integrated fuzzy control approach for improved decision-making process in an actual radio therapy department.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the valuable comments and suggestions from the respected reviewers. Their valuable comments and suggestions have enhanced the strength and significance of our paper. Our special thanks to Dr. Alireza Amo Haidary and Dr. Rajabi, Member of Oncology radiotherapy unit, Milad Hospital, Esfahan, Iran. This study was supported by a grant from University of Tehran (Grant No. 8106013/1/18). The authors are grateful for the support provided by the College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanic, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    A. Azadeh, M. Ameli, N. Alisoltani & S. Motevali Haghighi

  2. Department of Industrial Engineering, Esfarayen University of Technology, Esfarayen, 9661998195, Iran

    S. Motevali Haghighi

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  1. A. Azadeh
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  2. M. Ameli
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  3. N. Alisoltani
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  4. S. Motevali Haghighi
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Correspondence to A. Azadeh.

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Azadeh, A., Ameli, M., Alisoltani, N. et al. A unique fuzzy multi-control approach for continuous quality improvement in a radio therapy department. Qual Quant 50, 2469–2493 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-015-0272-3

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