Hybrid simulation model exposes circular supply chain trade-offs in healthcare
First-of-its-kind simulation of laparoscopic scissors supply chains reveals circular design cuts emissions but demands huge upfront investment
Circular healthcare supply chains are notoriously complex, with interdependent actors and high uncertainty in product flows. Traditional static methods fall short when predicting the outcomes of transitioning to a circular economy (CE). A new study from Mohd Shoaib, Antuela Tako, and Shahin Rahimifard introduces a hybrid simulation approach that combines discrete-event simulation (DES) and agent-based modeling (ABS) to capture both system-level dynamics and individual actor behaviors. Using laparoscopic scissors as a case study, the model is the first to assess the implications of introducing circular medical device designs at both the individual supply chain member and overall system level.
The findings highlight a critical trade-off: adopting circular products can reduce environmental impact, but achieving significant reductions in both cost and emissions requires substantial upfront investment. The simulation also enables hospitals to optimize inventory strategies, ensuring patient safety and operational continuity are maintained. This work provides a practical tool for policymakers and supply chain managers weighing the costs and benefits of circular economy transitions in healthcare, addressing a gap in the literature by moving beyond static assessments to account for variability and interdependencies.
- Hybrid DES-ABS simulation developed by Shoaib, Tako, and Rahimifard models circular healthcare supply chains with laparoscopic scissors as the case study
- First study to evaluate circular medical device designs at both individual supply chain member and overall system levels
- Results show circular products reduce environmental impact but demand significant upfront investment for substantial cost and emissions reductions
Why It Matters
Gives hospitals and policymakers a simulation-driven way to evaluate circular medical devices and optimize inventory without risking patient safety.