Research within the healthcare context

 

Mixed-integer programming is used to assist hospitals in improving the manner in which schedules for doctors are created. The constraints and parameters used in the formulations are identified from data obtained from the hospitals, in the form of interviews, spreadsheets and an online survey. The constraints take into account ergonomic, preference and fairness concerns. An important result from this project is that given the budgetary constraints and resulting staff shortages, it is impossible to create fair ergonomic schedules for doctors working in South African public hospitals that adhere to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

 

Lead researchers and publications:

1. Candice Muller

2. Michelle de Beer

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In South Africa, partly due to a fast increasing population relying on public healthcare services, as well as the recurring treatment of HIV, TB and other chronic diseases at clinics, there is an increasing demand for specifically primary healthcare services. Limited funding, personnel and infrastructure expansion has led to overcrowded clinics, long waiting times for patients before consultation, and extended staff working hours in primary healthcare clinics in South Africa. In addition, the appointment and queuing system at some clinics in South Africa seems to be inefficient. In this project, the workflow, appointment and queuing system of a clinic in the winelands region was investigated using discrete event simulation, and recommendations were made to reduce the average waiting time per patient before consultation without compromising on quality care.

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Lead researchers and publications:

1. Annelie Wessels

 

Lead researchers and publications:

1. Kyle van Heerden - [1]

2. Dean Matter - [1] 

 

Lead researchers and publications linked to this project:

1. Hannah Jarvis