Optimizing Porter Assignments in Hospital: A Mathematical Modeling Approach for Workload Balancing

Abstract

This case study addresses the staffing challenges faced by a hospital's porter service, which is currently insufficient to meet patient needs effectively. Due to the lack of a systematic task assignment mechanism, the head of the porters' center has had to manage patient transport manually, leading to unequal workload distribution among porters. This research aims to rectify this operational issue by developing a mathematical model and a user-friendly program for optimizing porter assignments. The methodology includes extensive data collection on existing protocols and factors affecting operations. A mathematical model is formulated with the objective of minimizing monthly workload deviations among porters. The model is executed using Excel Solver, producing an optimal assignment solution. Additionally, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel is utilized to create a practical program for real-world application. A quantitative comparison of the standard deviation in cumulative workload from September 2022 reveals a significant improvement: the proposed program reduced the standard deviation by 5,907 seconds, or 76.17%. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of the new solution in achieving a more balanced distribution of porter assignments, thereby enhancing operational efficiency