Blood donation drive management: a discrete event simulation-based approach for enhanced operational efficiency

Purpose This study aims to optimize blood donation drive efficiency by addressing operational bottlenecks and improving resource deployment, focusing on enhancing donor experience and reducing camp duration. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative insights from blood banking officer interviews with quantitative data from 58 camp observations. “Simio” simulation software models various operational configurations, while mathematical techniques like queuing theory analyze key performance metrics. The process involves creating a baseline model, proposing optimizations and validating recommendations through real-world implementation. Findings The study achieved significant improvements: Reduced average donor time from 1.79 to 0.79 hours (56.4% improvement); Shortened camp operation time from 7.98 to 4.85 hours (39.2% improvement); Decreased waiting times at the medical check station from 45.23 to 0.60 minutes; Improved service rates across all stations, notably at registration (233.79% increase); and Streamlined processes through digitization and health check consolidation. Practical implications The study provides actionable recommendations for blood bank managers, including digital pre-registration and optimized staff allocation, leading to substantial time and resource savings while enhancing donor experience. Social implications By improving donation camp efficiency and experience, this research could increase donor retention rates and lead to a more stable blood supply, crucial for medical care. Originality/value This research presents a novel approach by combining discrete event simulation with real-world implementation and validation, offering an innovative solution to common bottlenecks in blood donation drives.