An Optimization Model for Patient Transportation Problem Within Stretchers Activity in Hospitals

Efficient patient transport is crucial for the smooth operation of hospitals, as it directly impacts the timely delivery of medical care and the overall patient experience. The complexity of managing transport logistics, especially with limited resources, necessitates advanced optimization techniques. In this paper, we present an optimization model designed to enhance the scheduling of patient transportation missions and improve the organization of transport activities. Our primary objective is to minimize delays and reduce the number of unaccomplished missions, even when transporter availability is constrained. Using historical data from a hospital in France and the CPLEX solver, we compare our model's performance with existing models in the literature. The results demonstrate that our model significantly improves efficiency and reliability, ensuring timely patient transport and better resource utilization.