Nurse Dispatching using a Dynamic Priority Setting Algorithm

In collaboration with researchers at Grand Valley State University

Researchers: Kaming Yip, John Maleyeff, Yuzhen Liang, Marie Vanderkooi, Alida Semrinec, & John P. Farris

The research included modeling of time-dependent severity functions and parameter estimation, along with the development of a discrete-event simulation to determine how priorities should be assigned in real time based on characteristics of patient needs. A discrete-event simulation model that mimics a medical department, such as a hospital ward, ICU, or cardiac care unit is created.

Inputs include care tasks requiring a specified skill level to complete. Some tasks, such as the administration of medications must take place within a certain time frame and other tasks, such as machine alarms, will occur at random times. Available resources consist of personnel who would accomplish the required tasks. The main challenge was to model the dynamic priorities due to the increase in the severity of a patient’s need until the need is addressed.

This is a part of the project aiming to develop a decision support system (DSS) for assigning tasks to medical personnel that includes tasks with time-dependent severities.

Image by Kaming Yip