A Payroll Optimization Problem for Homogeneous Personnel Shift Scheduling: A Case Study at Pasargad Hospital

The application of mathematical and systematic models and approaches to health and payroll is on the rise. The purpose of this study is to present a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem for multi-day shifts scheduling in order to minimize hospital costs (payroll) and consider staff satisfaction.

This is a quantitative research study. This study proposes a MILP problem with cost objective function to determine the homogeneous staff shift so that the capacity of the number of personnel per shift is met. Then the proposed mathematical model is solved using the Lingo software, and its optimal solution is obtained.

By examining and analyzing the results for a period of personnel shift at the Environmental Health Unit of Tehran Pasargad Hospital, it was found that total costs related to this unit decreased by about 9% in a month. This percentage reduction in costs (payroll) due to rising salaries and rising prices can help hospitals save money.

The proposed mathematical and systematic model optimizes the personnel shift scheduling, and reduces hospital costs.