Evaluation of Operating Room Scheduling Processes by Analytic Network Process Method

Abstract

Multiple performance criteria should be evaluated together in the operating room schedules. Therefore, the operating room scheduling problem is a complex and difficult problem. As a result, it is very difficult to get the best solution, even high-quality solutions, at a reasonable time. For this reason, the evaluation of the criteria that are effective in the scheduling and planning process of the operating room has been discussed. In this study, the analytical network process method which is one of multi-criteria decision-making methods has been used. Because this method considers the interaction of the criteria with each other and their relationships and dependencies. There are 24 sub-criteria under the 7 main criteria related to surgeons, operating room schedules, operating room resources, equipment and consumables, operating room staff, patients and other factors. The network structure of these criteria is created with the analytical network process method. Then, the significance levels of the criteria have been calculated. From the results obtained, the criteria for surgeons among the main criteria is in the foreground. The results show that resources in operating rooms should be used effectively. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to use resources effectively in the operating room scheduling processes.