Could maths help improve surgery scheduling in Wales?

Cardiff experts to develop a 'smart' schedule to help reduce waiting lists and lower the number of cancellations. Researchers from the University have secured a major funding grant to develop mathematical models to assist in the scheduling of surgical procedures in Wales. The grant will be used to develop a computerised tool to produce 'smart' surgery timetables, with the overall aim of reducing waiting lists, lowering the number of cancellations and increasing patient satisfaction. Almost a quarter-of-a-million pounds has been awarded to the three-year project, which is being funded by Welsh Government. The research team states that a large proportion of surgical procedures in Wales are cancelled each year, often because of poor scheduling and a lack of beds post-surgery. Theatre scheduling currently involves a so-called 'master surgery schedule', which is manually produced on a weekly basis based on the perceived needs of each speciality in the hospital and the current length of their waiting lists. The master schedule does not take into account post-surgery requirements for each speciality, such as the availability of beds, which is a crucial component of avoiding patient overflow.