Models and methods for determining the optimal number of beds in hospitals and regions: a systematic scoping review

Table 6 Comparison of the methods’ advantages and challenges

Comparative aspects		Ratio Method	Formula method	Method using the distribution of present patients	Simulation method	Regression method
Advantages	Investigates hospital conditions				*
	Easy estimation	*	*	*		*
	Highly flexible					*
	Accounts for changes in the average length of stay				*
	Accounts for factors affecting the average length of stay				*
	Estimates bed requirements by clinical specialties	*	*	*	*	*
	Requires little time	*
challenges	Does not consider factors affecting the demand for hospital care	*	*	*	*	*
	Does not consider factors affecting the supply of hospital care	*	*	*	*	*
	Requires accurate and comprehensive data				*	*
	Time-consuming and costly				*
	Does not account for the dynamics of certain key parameters, like demographic changes and patterns of hospital service utilization	*	*	*	*	*
	Low accuracy			*		*

ISSN: 1472-6963