Optimization Automates Emergency Department Nurse Scheduling at Hartford Hospital

Abstract

A collaboration between Hartford Hospital, MIT, and Dynamic Ideas LLC optimizes nurse staffing in emergency department using a two-phase optimization approach. We developed and implemented robust optimization models and automated scheduling software, reducing staffing costs by 5%–8%, enhancing patient care coverage by 8%–25%. This streamlined process is projected to save approximately $720,000 annually, replacing a labor-intensive scheduling method previously in place.