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An application of BWM for risk control in reverse logistics of medical waste
Xiaozhu Wang1, Long Liu1, Lingyu Wang2
1School of Healthcare Technology, Dalian Neusoft University of Information, Dalian, China.
Abstract:
The pollution posed by medical waste complicate the procedures of medical waste logistics (MWL), and the increasingly frequent occurrence of public health emergencies has magnified the risks posed by it. In this study, the authors established an index of the factors influencing the risks posed by MWL along five dimensions: the logistics business, emergency capacity, equipment, personnel, and management. The best-worst case method was used to identify the critical risk-related factors and rank them by importance. Following this, we assessed the risk posed by MWL in four major cities in China as an example and propose the corresponding measures of risk control. The results showed that the linking of business processes was the most important factor influencing the risk posed by MWL. The other critical risk-related factors included the location of the storage site, the capacity for emergency transportation, measures to manage emergencies, and the safety of packaging. Of the cities considered, Beijing was found to be a high-risk city, and its MWL needed to be improved as soon as possible in light of the relevant critical risks. Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were evaluated as general-risk cities, which meant that the risks of MWL were not a priority in these areas, and the other goals of urban development should be comprehensively considered during the long-term planning for MWL in these municipalities.
Insights
Medical waste logistics (MWL) risks are influenced by business processes, emergency capacity, and site location. Beijing faces high MWL risks, requiring urgent improvements, while other cities have manageable risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Logistics Management
Background:
- Medical waste logistics (MWL) presents significant pollution challenges, exacerbated by public health emergencies.
- Effective MWL is crucial for environmental protection and public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a risk index for MWL factors across five dimensions: business, emergency capacity, equipment, personnel, and management.
- To identify and rank critical risk factors influencing MWL.
- To assess MWL risks in major Chinese cities and propose control measures.
Main Methods:
- Development of a risk index for MWL factors.
- Application of the best-worst case method to rank critical risk factors.
- Risk assessment of MWL in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Main Results:
- The linking of business processes emerged as the most critical factor impacting MWL risks.
- Other key risk factors include storage site location, emergency transport capacity, emergency management, and packaging safety.
- Beijing was identified as a high-risk city for MWL, necessitating immediate improvements.
Conclusions:
- MWL risk management requires a focus on integrated business processes and robust emergency preparedness.
- Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen present general risks, allowing for integrated urban development and MWL planning.
- Targeted interventions are needed for high-risk cities like Beijing to enhance MWL safety and efficiency.
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