Development of optimization model for scheduling of parallel operating theaters

Purpose and goal

We have identified increased efficiency by being able to carry out the same amount of surgery production with staff who can go home earlier. We have not taken away any breaks or lunch to achieve this. We have worked with sequence-dependent scheduling in two surgery theaters during the project and seen improvements in these that will enable us to move forward and fully implement the tool. The tool has been developed together with all staff, and new processes involving staff working with parallel theaters have been implemented during the project.

Expected results and effects

A web-based decision support based on the principle of working with parallel processes and the optimization model has been implemented through the agile process together with the subcontractor. The decision support has a well-composed and user-friendly UX. Digital decision support is now ready to be integrated with existing systems during the next project phase. The staff at central operation have already begun working on this principle with surprisingly good results. See specific quantitative results under goals.

Planned approach and implementation

The project model containing milestones was successful, the model gave visualizing when doing activities and an aim towards a goal. Procurement of subcontractors went smoothly as supplier with research results was already identified. Changes occurred continuously as the entire department staff was involved in the project and steered the result towards a tool that everyone believed in and enabled processes that make tasks more efficient. During the tests, we encountered certain concerns identified as caused by lack of communication of test plan to the entire department.