Multi-period layout planning for hospital wards

Layout planning for hospitals is a long-term decision. Nevertheless, medical and organizational factors change over time. For example, demand for different-sized bed rooms varies based on medical requirements and patient preferences. In this paper, we consider the planning of ward layouts over multiple periods using different approaches. The fixed ward layout models aim at minimizing either the number of demand violations or costs for installing fixed patient rooms. In contrast, the variable ward layout model allows for layout adaptations to satisfy demand. Thus, additional costs for the movement of walls have to be considered. The application of the different approaches as a decision support tool for hospital planners is explained. Hence, it can be derived in which settings the costs for adapting a layout do not exceed the benefits of such a change. Computational experiments demonstrate the applicability of the models for realistic instances. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.