Using improved discrete differential evolution algorithm to solve quadratic assignment model: a hospital case study

Abstract

Context: Facilities Layout Problem (FLP) is one of the NP-hard Combinatorial Optimization Problems. Problem:
Nowadays, the hospitals are considered as large and complex institutions which suffer from high costs and huge expenses
are an operation. The number of hospitals has increased because of the interest of governments in health care. Therefore,
optimal health care services can be offered to patients by utilizing the reassigning of the department and renovations of the
existing hospital facilities. The mathematical model of Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP) consider most widely used
for a formulation for FLP. For assigning of sites to the facilities that are available. Approach: In this study, the Improved
Discrete Differential algorithm (IDDE) was used to solve the QAP model which has been used to distribute clinics inside
an Azadi hospital. Objectives: The great goal of this study to enhancing solutions of the QAP model to minimized cost. To
achieve the aim of this paper, the objectives that will be considered are as follows: (i) To apply the QAP model in a public
hospital in Iraq called Azadi hospital in Kirkuk city, to find the best distribution of clinics to locations inside the hospital
based on determining the flow matrix and the distance matrix. (ii) To reduce the distances consumed by patients. This, in
turn, reduces the efforts of them when they move between clinics within the hospital and (iii to carry out the Improved
Discrete Differential algorithm which can be used and applied in Azadi hospital. Finding: The results obtained show that
the ideal solution cost (4,781,696) meter per month, in comparison to the original layout which cost (8,312,830) meter per
month.