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INTEGER PROGRAMMING APPROACHES TO NURSE SCHEDULING PROBLEMS (NSPs) IN MANAGEMENT OF ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (AEFUTH), ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Dr. C Nwankwor Okoro, Mr. E R Egbuji, Mr. E C Mmahi

Abstract



ABSTRACT
Nurse scheduling involves strategically assigning nurses to specific shifts to meet the demands of a hospital. Previous studies have primarily focused on optimizing the most preferred work shifts and ensuring an adequate number of satisfactory days off in the schedule. However, limited attention has been given to analysing past scheduling patterns and considering varying preferences for shifts and days off, which can significantly impact the fairness and quality of the schedule. The present study identifies the diverse preferences among nursing staff regarding shifts, rotations, and days off. A mathematical model based on integer programming is proposed to optimize nursing staff satisfaction by prioritizing their preferences. This approach takes into account preference ranks for each shift, individual preferences, historical scheduling data, and constraints of the schedule. By maximizing overall satisfaction, the generated shift schedule becomes more credible. The result of implementation in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria; produces optimal days-off Nurses roster which demonstrate that the proposed model produces fair and satisfactory shift and day-off assignments that align with the preferences of the nursing staff. This approach enhances the quality and fairness of nurse scheduling while ensuring staff satisfaction is prioritized.


Keywords


NSP, integer programming, shift, days off, Hospital

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References


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