Production scheduling applications to interruption-handling in healthcare

Abstract

In this study, single machine scheduling concepts with uncertain processing times and interruptions were reviewed to model and analyze the inpatient care task sequencing problem. The task sequencing problem involves answering the question of which task to perform next; upon completion of a task or when an interruption takes place. The two objectives considered are minimizing tardiness and minimizing distance walked by a nurse for the shift. Interruption handling actions identified from the literature and traditional dispatching rules will be used to develop task sequencing strategies depending on the system state at the time of the decision. A simulation model, developed using VBA Excel, and simulation-based experimentation were used to identify best-performing task sequencing strategies under different circumstances.