Use of Operations Research in Healthcare Settings - a review

Operations Research (OR) is the application of scientific methods, techniques and tools to problems involving the operations of systems so as to provide those in control of operations with optimum solutions to the problems. Thus, it may be regarded as the scientific method employed for problem solving and decision-making by the management. However, the use of Operations Research in healthcare has been minimal. Ironically, there is enough literature that should motivate hospital managers worldwide to use OR techniques. Hospital administrators worldwide should thus use OR techniques more frequently in future. This will enable them to use the available resources more efficiently and effectively.