An integrated rolling horizon approach to increase operating theatre efficiency

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mixed integer programming model with a rolling horizon approach to improve operating theatre efficiency by optimizing surgical scheduling amidst uncertainties and cancellations.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated MIP formulation for Master Surgical Schedule and Case Assignment, incorporating volatility and adjustments, with practical heuristics for quick solutions.

Findings

Increased patient throughput with the proposed scheduling approach.

Effective handling of cancellations and new arrivals.

Practitioners can implement the model in real hospital settings.

Abstract

Demand for healthcare is increasing rapidly. To meet demand, we must improve the efficiency of our public health services. We present a mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation that simultaneously tackles the integrated Master Surgical Schedule (MSS) and Surgical Case Assignment (SCA) problems. We consider volatile surgical durations and non-elective arrivals whilst applying a rolling horizon approach to adjust the schedule after cancellations, equipment failure, or new arrivals on the waiting list. A case study of an Australian public hospital with a large surgical department is the basis for the model. The formulation includes significant detail and provides practitioners with a globally implementable model. We produce good feasible solutions in short amounts of computational time with a constructive heuristic and two hyper metaheuristics. Using a rolling horizon schedule increases patient throughput and can help reduce waiting lists.