Managing funerary systems in the pandemic: lessons learned and an application of a scenario simulation in São Paulo City, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: This study, a practice forum article, aims to presents the lessons learned and the development of a discrete event simulation model to support the funerary system management of São Paulo City, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: A discrete event simulation model was developed by the authors as soon as the pandemic affected the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Based on the model, several scenarios with varying minimum, median and peak demands (i.e. the number of deaths) were tested and evaluated. The lessons learned from the scenario analysis and implementation of the decision-making of the city government of São Paulo are discussed in this article. Findings: The lessons learned about the coordination, inventory management and other operational characteristics in funerary logistics during the pandemic are shared with a model, which quantifies the demand for vehicles, coffins, graves and teams in the cemeteries in different simulated scenarios. Practical implications: The São Paulo State Civil Defense used this information during the pandemic to prepare the funerary system of the municipality. Social implications: The study presents methods to mitigate the sanitary, environmental and psychosocial problems related to the funerary system. Originality/value: Studies on funerary systems are scarce. This study presents the results that supported the dimensioning of the funerary system during the pandemic and operational lessons about the logistics to support decision-making in future events.