Optimizing Nurse Rostering: A Case Study Using Integer Programming to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Care Quality

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the complex challenge of Nurse Rostering (NR) in oncology departments, a critical component of healthcare management affecting operational efficiency and patient care quality. Given the intricate dynamics of healthcare settings, particularly in oncology clinics, where patient needs are acute and unpredictable, optimizing nurse schedules is paramount for enhancing care delivery and staff satisfaction. Methods: Employing advanced Integer Programming (IP) techniques, this research develops a comprehensive model to optimise NR. The methodology integrates a variety of constraints, including legal work hours, staff qualifications, and personal preferences, to generate equitable and efficient schedules. Through a case study approach, the model's implementation is explored within a clinical setting, demonstrating its practical application and adaptability to real-world challenges. Results: The implementation of the IP model in a clinical setting revealed significant improvements in scheduling efficiency and staff satisfaction. The model successfully balanced workload distribution among nurses, accommodated individual preferences to a high degree, and ensured compliance with work-hour regulations, leading to optimised shift schedules that support both staff well-being and patient care standards. Conclusions: The findings underscore the effectiveness of IP in addressing the complexities of NR in oncology clinics. By facilitating a strategic allocation of nursing resources, the proposed model contributes to operational excellence in healthcare settings, underscoring the potential of Operations Research in enhancing healthcare delivery and management practices.