Allocation of surgeries to operating rooms by goal programing

Ozkarahan I.

Journal of Medical Systems, vol.24, no.6, pp.339-378, 2000 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 24 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2000
  • Doi Number: 10.1023/a:1005548727003
  • Journal Name: Journal of Medical Systems
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.339-378
  • Keywords: Goal programing, Health services, Operating room scheduling, Surgery scheduling
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

High usage rate in a surgical suite is extremely important in meeting the increasing demand for health care services and reducing costs to improve quality of care. In this paper a goal programming model which can produce schedules that best serve the needs of the hospital, i.e., by minimizing idle time and overtime, and increasing satisfaction of surgeons, patients, and staff, is described. The approach involves sorting the requests for a particular day on the basis of block restrictions, room utilization, surgeon preferences and intensive care capabilities. The model is tested using the data obtained during field studies at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. The model is also tested for alternative achievement functions to examine the model's ability to satisfy abstract goals.