A Web-based Scheduling System for a Large Anesthesiology Department

The scheduling needs of a large, diverse academic anesthesiology department are complex, and have a significant impact on surgical suite efficiency. Our departmnent needed a system that would reduce scheduling effort, decrease errors (particularly uncovered or understaffed assignments), and inprove schedule availability, the vacation request process and the ability to report on assignment history. We therefore developed a selectively automated staff scheduling system that combines traditional manual methods with spreadsheets, web technology, and a magnetized whiteboard. Although a highly customized system, our methods and results may be instructive for the selection, design, and management of clinical staff scheduling systems.