A mathematical model for integrated operating room and surgical member scheduling considering lunch break

Abstract

Operating rooms (ORs) are among the most influential departments of a hospital that a major portion of its expenditures and revenues originate from it. Due to the limited resources and the presence of different stockholders, effective management, and the optimal planning of this department are challenging. This paper develops a mathematical model to address the integrated problem of the operating room and surgical member scheduling with the objective of makespan minimization. In the proposed model, several aspects, including the availability and necessity of surgical members and equipment, and lunch break consideration, are incorporated. Finally, a case study related to an OR department in a general hospital is provided to assess the applicability and performance of the proposed model.