Computerized schedules--one solution to variable workstyles.

A computerized scheduling program was developed to provide hospital anaesthetic coverage and yet still satisfy the complex workstyles of 30 anaesthetists. Hospital commitments required ten anaesthetists available each weekday and four each weekend day for after-hours coverage of the intensive care units and operating rooms. The workstyles included part-time arrangements, limited calls by some individuals, and calls restricted to certain anaesthetists with specific areas of expertise. Rules were defined to limit the proximity of late calls to avoid fatigue and computer software was developed. For each scheduling period, the program assists in making daily call assignments based on each anaesthetist's availability and a priority ranking system. It is flexible enough to allow personal preferences. The number and distribution of all calls scheduled are counted. When the assignments are completed, differences are reconciled. For two years, this program has proved superior to previous manual systems for scheduling this group of anaesthetists with variable workstyles.