Multi-Objective Decision Support Model for Operating Theatre Resource Allocation: A Post-Pandemic Perspective

Phongchai Jittamai, Sovann Toek, Kingkan Kongkanjana and Natdanai Chanlawong ()
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Phongchai Jittamai: School of Industrial Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Sovann Toek: School of Industrial Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Kingkan Kongkanjana: School of Industrial Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Natdanai Chanlawong: School of Industrial Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: Background : Healthcare systems are increasingly strained by limited operating room resources and rising demand, a situation intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. These pressures have resulted in overcrowded surgical departments, prolonged waiting times for elective procedures, worsened patient health outcomes, and increased hospital expenditure costs. Methods : To address these challenges, this study proposes a multi-objective mathematical optimization model as the analytical core of a decision support approach for OR resource allocation. The model considers multiple constrained resources, including OR time, intensive care units, medium care units, and nursing staff, and aims to minimize both elective patients’ waiting times and total incurred costs over a one-week planning horizon. Developed using real hospital data from a large facility in Thailand, the model was implemented in LINGO version 16.0, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of surgical department priorities and overtime allowances. Results : Compared to current practices, the optimized OR schedule reduced average waiting times by approximately 7% and total costs by 5%, while balancing resource utilization. Conclusions : This study provides a data-driven tool to support hospital resource planning, improve OR efficiency, and respond effectively to future healthcare crises.

Keywords: healthcare resource allocation; operating room resource management; waiting list management; surgical backlogs; multi-objective optimization; patient waiting time (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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