Identification and prioritization of key factors in the liver transplantation system using DEMATEL-modified ANP method

Objective: with significant gap between waitlisted patients and those who undergo Liver transplantation (LT), it is crucial to have efficient allocation of this scarce resource and improved performance of liver transplantation centers. Method: in this paper, using DEMATEL-modified ANP method, an attempt has been made to identify, weight and prioritize the key factors influencing the transplantation process in a liver transplantation system. For this purpose, the liver transplant center in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences has been piloted to study the transplant process and interview with the medical staff as a specialist to draw the relationship map. Results: the results indicate that the accuracy of patient selection for transplantation, surgical equipment and the level of expertise of personnel play an important role in the success of liver transplantation. Then, by analyzing the obtained results, management suggestions regarding improving the quality of services and improving the system are presented.Conclusion: the results of this research can help the health policy makers and decision makers to better understand the determinants of the performance of a transplantation center and suggest improvement plans. This means saving more lives and at the same time minimizing the cost of service.

Keywords:

Liver Transplantation , Performance Factors , Causal Relations , DEMATEL -modified ANP