Track: Undergradute Research Competition

Abstract

As the prevalence of kidney disease continues to rise, the increasing demand for dialysis services must be addressed to ensure efficient and patient-centric care. Currently, hemodialysis poses significant challenges for patients, and it is clear that there is a need to improve the scheduling process to enhance their overall experience. This paper proposes an optimization strategy that can be implemented to improve nurse and dialysis unit scheduling for the benefit of patients. A case study from a unit on an island in Tunisia (North Africa) is considered to illustrate that optimizing nurse and dialysis unit scheduling can better accommodate the growing number of patients requiring hemodialysis and provide timely and accessible care. This includes strategically managing resources, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, and implementing efficient scheduling systems that prioritize patient needs. This paper recognizes the importance of optimizing appointment scheduling for patients in the dialysis unit, while also considering the constraints on nurses and equipment availability. By minimizing patient wait times, implementing a safety net measure, and exploring innovative solutions, it is shown that the quality, reliability, and efficiency of care provided in the hemodialysis setting is improved. This research contributes to the broader goal of improving patient experiences, addressing healthcare provider challenges, and optimizing resource utilization in dialysis units.