A mathematical optimization model for efficient management of Nurses' Quarters in a teaching and referral hospital in Hong Kong. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yip, K.; Huang, K.; Chang, S.; Chui, E.
• Is Part Of: Operations research for health care. Volume 8(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Nurses' Quarters -- Mixed-integer programming -- Resource allocation -- Bed assignment; Medical care -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Operations research -- Periodicals; Operations Research -- Periodicals; Health Services Research -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; 362.106805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orhc.2015.09.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-6923

Abstract

Abstract: Objective Effective use of available resources is critical in the healthcare industry. Space in the Nurses' Quarters in an acute regional and teaching hospital in Hong Kong is under pressure and effective use of such scarce resources is warranted. We present an application of mathematical optimization to ensure rooms are optimally assigned for users, in which the least number of rooms need to be opened while entertaining the most number of user requests, while at the same time satisfying various business rules of quarter management. Methods Extensive consultation was embarked at the start of the project to gather requirements from quarter management and frontline users. Utilization statistics were also gathered and analyzed. A web-based booking system was designed and implemented to streamline the booking workflow for users, while a mixed integer programming model was implemented to automate the room assignment process for quarter management. Findings More than 70% of bookings are now booked through the automated system. Unlike the old workflow where users need to travel to the quarter for reservation of rooms, they can now access the online system using any computer workstation that is connected to the hospital intranet. This greatly simplifies the booking workflow for users and decreased the amount of no-shows. In addition, workflow wastage in the then-manual room assignment process was minimized through the use of the room assignment model. Instead of manually assigning requests to rooms each day, an optimized room assignment that takes into account new and complex business rules on room allocation is now automatically generated with a click of a button. Defects and rework that arise from the manual process were eliminated through the implementation of the mathematical model. The implementation of such a fair and transparent assignment methodology also minimized the amount of disputes and complaints from users. Conclusion The use of operations research methodologies is useful in enhancing workflow efficiency and resource utilization in healthcare. Through the employment of a data-driven and evidence-based methodology, buy-in from stakeholders could be obtained so that a new and enhanced workflow could be successfully implemented.