Optimizing Operating Room Planning and Scheduling Using the Reptile Search Algorithm

Healthcare facilities strive to develop efficient schedules for surgical procedures, prioritizing the health and safety of patients while optimizing resource utilization. In this paper, we introduce the Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) as an innovative approach to solving the operating room planning and scheduling problem. First, we develop a mathematical model to accurately represent the complexities of this problem. Then, we implement the RSA to test its efficacy. Experimental results demonstrate the algorithm's performance in optimizing the assignment of surgeries to operating rooms, maximizing the the daily number of planned surgeries, and effectively handling various constraints. This study highlights the potential of RSA as a robust solution for enhancing operational efficiency in healthcare settings.