Analyzing the Trend of Energy Carriers Consumption in a Super-Specialized Hospital and Presenting Necessary Strategies for Optimal Consumption

Mohammad Javad  Najafi; Mohammad Amiri  Ara; Naeim  Shokri; Ghader  Ghanizadeh; Mehdi  Raei; Sayyed Morteza Hosseini  Shokoh

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v10i4.21550

Mohammad Javad Najafi MSc in Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, School of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Amiri Ara Associate Professor, Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Naeim Shokri Assistant Professor, Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ghader Ghanizadeh Professor, Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Raei Associate Professor, Artificial Intelligence in Health Research Center, Biomedical Technology Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sayyed Morteza Hosseini Shokoh Associate Professor, Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v10i4.21550

Keywords: Hospital, Energy carriers consumption, Improvement projects, Performance indicators

Abstract

Background: Neglecting the optimal consumption of energy carriers not only increases hospital costs but also leads to the waste of energy resources. This study was conducted to investigate the consumption trends of energy carriers in a super-specialized hospital and to provide optimization strategies.

Methods: This mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, time-series data of water, gas, and electricity consumption over a ten-year period (2011–2021) were collected from the studied hospital. In the second phase, the relationship between hospital performance indicators and energy carriers consumption was examined using the SARIMAX regression model. In the third phase, strategies for improving energy efficiency were identified through a review of previous studies and a survey of experts.

Results: The ten-year average consumption of water, electricity, and gas per active bed was 33.76 ± 1.63 cubic meters, 1919.66 ± 243.39 kilowatts, and 341.46 ± 38.96 cubic meters, respectively. Indicators such as occupied bed days, bed turnover interval, and average length of stay had a significant impact on water consumption. Electricity consumption was significantly influenced by the number of surgeries, and gas consumption was significantly influenced by the number of surgeries and intensive care unit patients. Water consumption was significantly higher in autumn, electricity in summer, and gas in winter compared to other seasons. Thirty-three optimization strategies were categorized into five general areas, including modification of electrical systems, cooling and heating systems, water resource management, optimization of the building structure, and energy policy-making.

Conclusion: The consumption of energy carriers in this hospital was primarily subject to seasonal variations. Optimizing the building structure in terms of thermal insulation and formulating effective energy policies can significantly prevent energy waste.