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Handbook of Healthcare Logistics

Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice

  • Examines the current logistics process
  • Identifies challenges in healthcare OR and the gap between theory and practice
  • Provides guidelines and the results of these implementations

Part of the book series: International Series in Operations Research & Management Science (ISOR, volume 302)

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Softcover Book USD 159.99
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Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-vi
  2. Making an Impact on Healthcare Logistics

    • Maartje E. Zonderland, A. Gréanne Leeftink, Aleida Braaksma, Richard J. Boucherie, Erwin W. Hans, Nikky Kortbeek
    Pages 1-13
  3. Overview of the State-of-the-Art

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 15-15
    2. A Survey of Literature Reviews on Patient Planning and Scheduling in Healthcare

      • Maartje E. Zonderland, Richard J. Boucherie
      Pages 17-23
    3. Robust Surgery Scheduling: A Model-Based Overview

      • Maarten Otten, Jasper Bos, Aleida Braaksma, Richard J. Boucherie
      Pages 37-56
    4. Applications of Hospital Bed Optimization

      • A. J. (Thomas) Schneider, N. M. (Maartje) van de Vrugt
      Pages 57-94
  4. OR Applications in Healthcare Planning

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 95-95
    2. A Markov Modelling Approach for Surgical Process Analysis in Cataract Surgery

      • Maartje E. Zonderland, Siebe Brinkhof, Irene C. Notting, Richard J. Boucherie, Fredrik Boer, Gré P. M. Luyten
      Pages 97-110
    3. Emergency Operating Room or Not?

      • Nardo J. Borgman, Ingrid M. H. Vliegen, Erwin W. Hans
      Pages 111-128
    4. Implementing Algorithms to Reduce Ward Occupancy Fluctuation Through Advanced Planning

      • Peter T. Vanberkel, Richard J. Boucherie, Erwin W. Hans, Johann L. Hurink, Wineke A. M. van Lent, Wim H. van Harten
      Pages 129-150
    5. Bed Census Predictions and Nurse Staffing

      • Aleida Braaksma, Nikky Kortbeek, Richard J. Boucherie
      Pages 151-180
  5. Case Studies

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 181-181
    2. Workload Forecasting and Demand-Driven Staffing: A Case Study for Post-operative Physiotherapy

      • R. F. M. Vromans, N. Kortbeek, L. Schoonhoven, B. van den Bosch, M. Van Houdenhoven
      Pages 183-199
    3. A Quantitative Analysis of Integrated Emergency Posts

      • Martijn R. K. Mes, Ingrid M. H. Vliegen, Carine J. M. Doggen
      Pages 201-229
    4. Minimizing Variation in Hospital Bed Utilization by Creating a Case Type Schedule for the Operating Room Planning

      • Marc B. V. Rouppe van der Voort, Arvid J. Glerum, Erwin W. Hans
      Pages 231-247

About this book

This book presents healthcare logistics solutions that have been successfully implemented at a variety of healthcare facilities. In each case, a major challenge is presented, along with the solution approach and implementation steps, followed by the impact on hospital operations. Problems encountered when implementing the results in practice are also discussed.

Much of the work presented is drawn from the experiences of members of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at Twente, along with the CHOIR spin-off company, Rhythm.

Editors and Affiliations

  • Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands

    Maartje E. Zonderland, Richard J. Boucherie, Erwin W. Hans

  • Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research, University of Twente, Rhythm b.v., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Enschede, The Netherlands

    Nikky Kortbeek

About the editors

Richard Boucherie is a Full Professor and head of Stochastic Operations Research at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. He is also co-founder of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at the University, and co-founder of Rhythm B.V. His research interests are in probability theory and healthcare logistics.

Erwin W. Hans is Full Professor Operations Management in Healthcare at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. His research focuses on the area of healthcare Operations Management and Operations Research. He is also co-founder of the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research (CHOIR) at the University, and co-founder of Rhythm B.V.


Nikky Kortbeek is co-founder and CEO of Rhythm B.V., a spin-off company of the University of Twente specializing in healthcare logistics. Additionally, he is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Stochastic Operations Research at the University of Twente. His research focuses ondeveloping mathematical techniques to help healthcare professionals in making their organizations more efficient.


Maartje Zonderland is an independent consultant, specialized in the optimization of healthcare processes using quantitative modeling and data science techniques. Additionally, she is a Post-Doctoral researcher at the University of Twente. Her research interests focus on complex capacity distribution problems in healthcare.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access