Suitable radiotherapy device selection for a hospital using the hesitant fuzzy ahp method

Selecting the most suitable medical device for a hospital is a complicated decision-making process that involves numerous criteria and preferences. This study focused on the selection of a suitable radiotherapy device which is a critical decision for healthcare institutions aiming to provide effective cancer treatment. Radiotherapy devices encompass a wide range of technologies, each with its unique features, capabilities, and considerations. The hesitant fuzzy AHP were used to evaluate most suitable radiotherapy device selection by the need to handle complex decision-making situations where both linguistic and numerical data coexist. In this study technical characteristics (radiation leakage limit, dose rate, field size, flattening filter, multilief collimator, IGART and respiratory motion management system), training, installation, and utilization (training of user/s, ease of use, software/ hardware upgrade availability and delivery time), warranty, and maintenance (maintenance tasks, ease of maintenance design, service contract type, spare parts availability post- warranty, uptime guarantee), economic (cost efficiency, payment terms), brand's features (reliability, relationships, corporate social responsibility) were evaluated. Consequently, through the comprehensive assessment of each alternative by experts based on both main and sub-criteria, the pivotal element in the radiotherapy device selection process emerged as the technical characteristic. When the main and sub-criteria are evaluated, it is seen that the most optimal device option was identified as A3, whereas A4 emerged as the least favored choice.