Discussion and Implications

Satisfaction of Objectives

Our objectives for this project were satisfied in both the small and the large trials. Our objectives were to get utilization between 85% and 90%. Our utilization for the small trial was just over 87% and the utilization for the large trial exceeded our goal utilization at just over 97%.

Strengths of Methods

Objective Function Easily Understandable

Our objective function is clear, inputs are easily understandable, and it takes into account the most important factors in determining surgical schedules.

Provides a Clear, Easily Readable Schedule

Our method of assigning block scheduling time to different surgical group through integer programming in Microsoft Excel provided us with a clear and easily understandable operating room schedule which can be shown on the Results page of this site.

Further Research

There are several opportunities available for further research on this topic as there are many more factors and different ways this problem can be approached. Some opportunities for further research are highlighted to the right.

Cost Analysis

Since the operating room has traditionally been known as the ‘money maker’ of almost any hospital, there is high demand for a project like this to include cost analysis. With more time and more data, cost analysis combined with a project like this could provide hospitals with highly desirable insights.

Adding New Variables and Constraints to the Model

There are several variables that could be added to our model in order to enhance it and provide further insights. For example, factoring in individual surgeons’ skills, complication of surgery, and surgeons’ time preferences all could improve the model.