Surgery Scheduling Incorporating Dynamic Rest-Time Management: Controlling Surgeon Fatigue

Surgeon fatigue has a well-documented impact on performance and patient outcomes, yet many existing surgery scheduling models inadequately address rest-time requirements. This study presents a dynamic rest-time scheduling method that optimizes surgical schedules by balancing operational efficiency with surgeon well-being. In this regard, a heuristic is developed that dynamically calculates rest periods based on surgery durations, besides employing a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to refine schedules. Moreover, a simulation-based evaluation assesses the quality of the proposed schedules, considering factors such as adherence, delays, fatigue, and operating room utilization. Results demonstrate significant improvements over baseline models, with reduced surgeon fatigue, better schedule adherence, and enhanced operating room efficiency. The proposed framework also incorporates visualizations to give stakeholders actionable insights into resource allocation and fatigue management.