Integrated Best-Worst Method and Gray Relational Analysis for Hospital Location Selection: The Case of Burdur Province

Abstract

The hospital location (site) selection problem involves determining the most suitable location for a healthcare facility. As a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, it requires the evaluation of several factors, including strategic, economic, and social considerations, due to the direct impact hospital locations have on public health. To make an optimal decision, MCDM methods are typically employed to accurately assess the relevant criteria. These methods assist decision-makers in evaluating various factors and determining the best location for the hospital. This study focuses on selecting a site for a private hospital planned for Burdur Province, where no private hospital currently exists. In this context, three alternative locations were evaluated based on expert opinions from academicians, health managers, and urban planners. In the first phase of the study, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) was used to calculate the criteria weights, allowing for the subjective evaluation of multiple factors. Following this, the Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) method was applied to determine the most appropriate location by assessing the degree of similarity or dissimilarity between the alternatives. This combination of methods enabled the ranking of the alternatives, ultimately identifying the best site for the hospital.