A multi-objective mathematical model for nurse scheduling problem with hybrid DEA and augmented ε-constraint method: A case study

Abstract

The efficient management of nursing personnel is of vital importance in a hospital's environment comprising a vast share of the hospital's operational costs. In the nurse scheduling problem (NSP), the target is to allocate shifts to the nurses in order to satisfy the hospital's demand during the planning horizon by considering different objective functions. This paper presents a multi-objective mathematical model with the aims of reducing the costs that the hospital is supposed to pay, maximizing nurses' satisfaction, and balancing the workload of nurses. Nurses' preferences for working in particular shifts and weekend off are considered in this model. In order to solve the model, a two-step procedure is used. In the first step, to show the applicability of the proposed model, a real case study is provided and is solved using augmented ε-constraint method. Then, the best solution is selected among Pareto solutions using data analysis envelopment (DEA). Finally, several analyses are performed to develop managerial implications.