SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Mathematical Optimization for Automating Physician Regionalization

Pdf Summary

The poster describes a project at Tampa General Hospital to automate physician regionalization, specifically the “list-making” step where physicians are assigned to patients after beds have already been geographically grouped. Previously, this assignment was done manually by an assigning physician between 4–6 a.m., which was time-consuming and had been a major barrier to successful regionalization.<br /><br />The team used interviews, direct observation, and collaboration with assigning physicians to identify the rules and constraints needed for assignment, such as specialty coverage and continuity of care. They also identified optimization goals, including reducing the number of units each physician covers and minimizing the distance traveled between units.<br /><br />Using this information, they built a mathematical optimization model and computer program that automatically generates the physician-patient lists. The new workflow produces assignments at 5:30 a.m., after which the assigning physician only inputs them into EPIC.<br /><br />Results showed substantial improvements: a 60% reduction in time traveled between units per physician per day, a 40% reduction in the number of units traveled (3.3 fewer units per physician per day), and a 75% reduction in assignment time for the assigning physician.<br /><br />The authors conclude that automating patient-physician assignment with mathematical optimization improves regionalization outcomes and makes the process sustainable.

Asset Subtitle

Anh P. Nguyen

Meta Tag

Author List Angela G. Lin, Anh P. Nguyen, Etter Hoang, Jaimie Weber, Lien Le

Category Innovations

Concept Geographic Provider Regionalization

Concept Manual Patient-Physician Assignment

Concept Mathematical Optimization Model

Concept Automated Assignment Generation

Concept Collaboration

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of South Florida Health, Tampa General Hospital

Presenting Author Anh P. Nguyen

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

physician regionalization

hospital optimization

patient assignment

mathematical optimization

workflow automation

Tampa General Hospital

EPIC

continuity of care

assignment time reduction

unit travel reduction

Geographic Provider Regionalization

Manual Patient-Physician Assignment

Mathematical Optimization Model

Automated Assignment Generation

Collaboration