University of Twente Student Theses
An assessment of operating room scheduling practices in Dutch hospitals : Why is surgery scheduling still a manual task?
Moussally, Naya (2024) An assessment of operating room scheduling practices in Dutch hospitals : Why is surgery scheduling still a manual task?
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| Abstract: | Despite advancements in theoretical models for optimizing operating room (OR) scheduling, manual scheduling persists in healthcare settings, revealing a significant gap between theory and practice. This research investigates the factors contributing to this gap by examining decision-making processes, handling uncertainties, managing constraints, and using performance measures in Dutch hospitals. Through semi-structured interviews with 24 respondents across nine hospitals, the study finds that OR scheduling relies heavily on staff expertise and intuitive adjustments rather than sophisticated techniques like stochastic programming and predictive analytics. Uncertainties are managed ad hoc, with minimal attention to structured approaches recommended in the literature. Additionally, the reliance on manual processes is driven by system limitations, resistance to change, and a lack of understanding of automated models. Data quality issues and inadequate EHR systems further hinder the adoption of advanced scheduling tools. The study identifies facilitators such as predictive analytics, training on advanced models, and improved cross-departmental coordination to support successful implementation. Bridging this gap requires developing user-friendly interfaces for predictive models, standardized performance measurement frameworks, and better knowledge transfer between research and practice to enhance OR scheduling efficiency and effectiveness. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | TNW: Science and Technology |
| Programme: | Health Sciences MSc (66851) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100663 |
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