Using stochastic goal programming to rearrange beds inside Habib Bourguiba Hospital

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of bed rearrangement in hospitals and proposes some research tools to provide an effective and balanced rearrangement of beds. By studying the activity report of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, it was found that some departments have a shortage while others have a surplus in beds. Working with a shortage in beds is highly unpleasant for both patients and staff. It affects all types of qualities. Bed managers are usually faced with a situation where they have to find beds in another department or refuse patients. This leads to higher risks and complications. We use a stochastic goal program and satisfaction function concepts to rearrange the beds. The optimal plan of the number of beds to be transferred from one department to the other is given as well as a comparison indicating that the proposed solution is superior to the one existing.