Work allocation method and work allocation program

Abstract

To level work volumes among a plurality of target persons.SOLUTION: An information processing device 101, on the basis of a result of allocating work groups prior to work groups to be allocated for a plurality of target persons to which the work groups to be allocated will be allocated, selects a first target person to be an adjustment target of a work volume from the plurality of target persons. On the basis of skill information indicating skills possessed by the selected first target person, the information processing device 101 specifies a first work group that the first target person is to handle from the work groups to be allocated. If a total work volume of the specified first work group exceeds a predetermined allowable value, the information processing device 101 deletes at least some works from the first work group, thereby specifying a second work group corresponding to the first work group but the works deleted. The information processing device 101 fixes allocation of the specified second work group to the first target person, and performs allocation to the remaining target persons other than the first target person of the work groups other than the second work group among the work groups to be allocated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a task allocation method and a task allocation program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, the scheduling and adjustment of operations such as surgeries in hospitals has often been done manually by responsible personnel such as head nurses. For example, when coordinating the operating room, equipment, and staff to be used for an operation, the responsible personnel make the adjustments while considering the constraints that must be taken into account. In recent years, efforts have been made to automate the adjustment work using mathematical optimization technology in order to reduce the man-hours required for manual adjustment work.

[0003] Prior art techniques include generating a schedule for surgeries scheduled at a medical facility by inputting conditions related to surgeries scheduled at the medical facility into an estimation model, which outputs estimated values, and inputting constraint data indicating constraints related to resources required for the surgeries at the medical facility into a specified schedule generation model. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-64350 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional techniques, when assigning work using mathematical optimization techniques, work tends to be concentrated in the hands of experienced staff, making it difficult to schedule work in a way that prevents people from being overworked.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention aims to equalize the workload of multiple subjects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, a task allocation method is provided, which includes selecting a first subject from a plurality of subjects to whom a task group to be allocated is to be allocated based on an allocation result of a task group previous to the task group to be allocated to the plurality of subjects, identifying a first task group to be handled by the first subject among the task groups to be allocated based on skill information indicating the skills possessed by the selected first subject, and, if the total workload of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, identifying a second task group from the first task group in which at least one task has been deleted by deleting the first task, fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first subject, and allocating task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining subjects other than the first subject. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Advantageous Effects of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, an effect is achieved in that the workload of multiple subjects can be equalized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a task allocation method according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 200. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the task allocation device 201. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the allocation result storage DB 220. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the resource data storage DB 230. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the allocation target data. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work allocation device 201. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a past allocation result. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of updating the surgery group to be assigned. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of creating a constraint equation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output of constraint condition candidates. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the allocation result. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of an output of the allocation result. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of an output of the allocation result. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of a task allocation processing procedure of the task allocation device 201. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of the task allocation processing procedure of the task allocation device 201. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a task allocation method and a task allocation program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a task allocation method according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, an information processing device 101 is a computer that schedules tasks. Scheduling means allocating planned tasks to subjects. A task is a job (task) that a subject performs. A subject is a person who performs the task.

[0012] The work may be, for example, a medical procedure in a medical institution. In this case, the subject may be a medical professional in the medical institution. The work may also be, for example, assembly, processing, painting, inspection, or the like in a manufacturing factory. In this case, the subject may be a worker in the manufacturing factory.

[0013] Scheduling work in a hospital requires a variety of schedule adjustments with different objectives and constraints, such as creating schedules that minimize overtime hours for doctors, nurses, and other staff, or creating schedules that ensure sales are recorded by performing all surgeries that have high medical fee points.

[0014] Scheduling adjustment is a routine task that is performed periodically. The person in charge creates and modifies the schedule based on their daily experience and intuition, and then finalizes the schedule in an appropriate manner. For example, in a certain hospital, there is a reservation period for surgery, and the desired start and end times are entered when making a reservation.

[0015] Previously, the staff would spend a lot of time and effort adjusting the operating room, equipment, and staff for each surgery that was booked after the reservation period had ended. For example, each time the staff member makes adjustments, they must take into account constraints such as the relationship between the operating room and the equipment, the compatibility between staff members, and overtime hours.

[0016] On the other hand, in order to reduce the man-hours required for manual adjustment work, efforts are being made to automate the adjustment work using mathematical optimization techniques such as AI (Artificial Intelligence).When automating adjustment work using mathematical optimization techniques, for example, the entire adjustment target is treated as a linear programming problem and formulated.

[0017] In this case, in addition to the data to be adjusted, the constraints that the business personnel have in mind are also formulated. For example, the constraints are set not only based on predetermined rules but also on the knowledge that the business personnel have gained from their past work experience, which leads to an increase in the cost of the adjustment work.

[0018] For this reason, it is desirable to provide adjustment support to the operator by presenting past adjustment results and the knowledge of experienced operators.For example, in order for an operator (operator) to perform work of the same quality as an experienced operator, there is a conventional technique in which multiple patterns of parameters of constraint conditions at the time of adjustment that are expected to be set by an experienced operator are prepared, and multiple adjustment results of optimization calculations using those patterns are presented to the operator.

[0019] On the other hand, taking the example of the coordination of surgeries in a hospital, the constraints that must be taken into consideration when allocating the operating rooms to be performed, the equipment to be used, and the staff in charge include mandatory constraints such as the number of equipment and rooms depending on the surgical procedure, as well as constraints (relaxed constraints) such as leveling out the workload of the staff in charge.

[0020] However, when conventional technology is simply applied to adjust parameters to equalize the workload of each staff member, the person in charge is presented with multiple adjustment results that, depending on the parameters of the constraint conditions, may result in a bias in the workload of skilled staff members. For this reason, it is difficult for conventional technology to support parameter adjustments that achieve the original goal of equalizing the workload of all staff members.

[0021] In addition, if the previous adjustment result shows that the experienced staff has a large workload, the latest adjustment can calculate the control condition parameters while referring to the previous adjustment result so that the workload is not biased toward the experienced staff. However, if many of the surgeries that are the subject of the latest adjustment are surgeries that should be handled by experienced staff, the system will end up being forced to assign many surgeries to the experienced staff, making it difficult to achieve equalization of the workload of the entire staff. For example, if an upper limit on the working hours of experienced staff is set as a constraint condition, there is a problem that if it is made a mandatory constraint, a solution cannot be found, and if it is made a relaxed constraint, many surgeries will end up being assigned to experienced staff.

[0022] It is also possible to assign less skilled staff to perform surgery (changing the required constraint to a relaxed constraint), but this could lead to risks in operations such as surgery. Also, in order to limit the number of cases that skilled staff are in charge of, it is possible to reduce the number of surgeries that are the latest adjustment targets in advance, but since the purpose of optimization is to increase the hospital's profits by performing as many surgeries as possible, a simple reduction in the number of cases is not desirable.

[0023] In this embodiment, a task allocation method for preventing someone from working too much (overworking) by leveling out the workload of multiple subjects will be described. Here, an example of processing by the information processing device 101 will be described.

[0024] (1) The information processing device 101 selects a first target person to whom the workload is to be adjusted from among multiple targets to which the task group to be assigned is assigned. Here, the task group to be assigned is the task group to be assigned this time. The task group to be assigned is, for example, surgery (medical procedure) scheduled to be performed in a medical institution in the coming week.

[0025] The information processing device 101 selects a first target based on the allocation results of tasks prior to the task group to be allocated to the multiple targets. The first target is, for example, a target who has a relatively large amount of work in the past among the multiple targets. The amount of work in the past is represented, for example, by the number of tasks that the target has been in charge of or the total work time.

[0026] The task group before the task group to be assigned may be a task group that has already been performed according to the assignment result, or may be a task group that is scheduled to be performed according to the assignment result. Furthermore, the tasks included in the task group to be assigned and the tasks included in the task group before the task group to be assigned may be different tasks but have the same task content. For example, the task group to be assigned and the task group before the task group to be assigned may each include a different surgery with the same task content, "laparoscopic surgery."

[0027] In the example of Fig. 1, the task group 110 to be assigned is "task 1, task 2, task 3, task 4, task 5." In addition, multiple targets to which the task group 110 to be assigned is assigned are "target person 1, target person 2, target person 3." In addition, the past scheduling result 120 represents the allocation results of task groups prior to the task group 110 to be assigned to targets 1 to 3. Task groups prior to the task group 110 to be assigned are different from the task group 110 to be assigned.

[0028] In this case, the information processing device 101 selects, as the first target person, the target person who has the largest amount of work in the past among the targets 1 to 3, for example, based on the past scheduling result 120. Here, it is assumed that the target person 2 is selected as the first target person among the targets 1 to 3.

[0029] (2) The information processing device 101 identifies a first task group to be handled by the first target person among the task groups to be assigned based on the skill information of the selected first target person. The skill information indicates the skills possessed by the target person. Some of the task groups to be assigned require a specific skill.

[0030] For example, such work can only be performed by subjects with specific skills, or at least subjects with specific skills are required to be included among those performing the work. Skills are represented, for example, by various qualifications (national qualifications, public qualifications, private qualifications, etc.) required to perform the work. Skills may also be represented, for example, by abilities such as communication skills, observation skills, judgment, and a sense of responsibility. Skills may also be represented, for example, by the number of years of experience in a job or the number of times a task has been performed.

[0031] For this reason, the information processing device 101 may, for example, identify a first task group to be handled by the first subject in accordance with the skills required for each task group to be assigned based on the skill information of the first subject. In more detail, for example, the information processing device 101 may identify all tasks for which the first subject has the required skills as the first task group among the task groups to be assigned.

[0032] Furthermore, the information processing device 101 may use an existing allocation algorithm to allocate task groups to multiple targets so as to satisfy constraints on skills required for each of the task groups. Then, the information processing device 101 may identify the task group allocated to the first target as the first task group.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that "task 2, task 3" of task group 110 to be assigned are specified as the first task group 130 to be handled by target person 2 (first target person).

[0034] (3) When the total workload of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined capacity, the information processing device 101 deletes at least one task from the first task group to identify a second task group from which the task has been deleted. Here, the total workload of the first task group is the sum of the workloads of the first task groups. The workload of the first task group is represented, for example, by the number of tasks or the total task time. The predetermined capacity may be set, for example, based on past assignment results of task groups to multiple subjects. The predetermined capacity may also be set, for example, in advance. The second task group includes one or more tasks.

[0035] In addition, there may be cases where there is no target person other than the first target person who can handle the task deleted from the first task group. In this case, the information processing device 101 may update the task group to be assigned by excluding the deleted task from the task group to be assigned, for example, in order to avoid assigning the task to a target person who does not have the required skill.

[0036] 1, it is assumed that the total workload of the first task group 130 exceeds a predetermined allowable amount. In this case, the information processing device 101 deletes at least one task from the first task group 130, thereby identifying the second task group 140 from which the task has been deleted from the first task group 130. Tasks are deleted from the first task group 130 until, for example, the total workload of the task group after the deletion (the second task group 140) falls below the allowable amount.

[0037] At this time, the information processing device 101 may preferentially delete tasks with long working times from the first task group 130. Here, it is assumed that task 3, which has a long working time, is deleted from the first task group 130, and the second task group 140 is identified. The second task group 140 includes task 2. It is also assumed that task 3 is excluded because there is no other target person than target person 2 who can take on the deleted task 3, and the task group 110 to be assigned is updated to "task 1, task 2, task 4, task 5."

[0038] (4) The information processing device 101 fixes the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and performs allocation to the remaining targets other than the first target person of task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 fixes the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and performs allocation to the remaining targets of task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated so as to satisfy the constraint condition.

[0039] The constraint conditions may be set in advance, for example. Alternatively, the constraint conditions may be extracted from the results of assignment of tasks to multiple targets prior to the task group to be assigned, using existing techniques such as co-occurrence analysis. However, the task group to be assigned may be updated. In this case, the task groups other than the second task group among the updated task groups to be assigned are assigned to the remaining targets.

[0040] 1, the allocation of the second task group 140 (task 2) to subject 2 is fixed, and the updated task group 110 (task 1, task 2, task 4, task 5) other than the second task group 140 is allocated to the remaining subjects 1 and 3 in the task groups (task 1, task 4, task 5) among the task group 110 to be assigned (task 1, task 2, task 4, task 5). As a result, task 1 is assigned to subject 1, task 2 is assigned to subject 2, and tasks 4 and 5 are assigned to subject 3. In addition, task 3, which has been removed from the task group 110 to be assigned, is, for example, left for allocation in the next or subsequent times.

[0041] In this way, the information processing device 101 can equalize the workload of multiple subjects. As a result, the information processing device 101 can appropriately adjust the workload that tends to be biased toward skilled subjects, and prevent people from working too much.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 101 adjusts the tasks to be handled by the subject 2 who has the largest amount of work in the past among the tasks 1 to 5 to be assigned this time, and then can perform overall scheduling including the remaining subjects 1 and 3. This allows the information processing device 101 to prevent the subject 2 from being overworked (working too much). Furthermore, for task 3 that must be assigned to the subject 2 due to constraints on the required skills, the information processing device 101 can appropriately adjust the workload that tends to be biased toward the subject 2, for example, by postponing it to the next or later assignment.

[0043] In the above description, the remaining subjects other than the first subject are assigned task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be assigned, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the second task group may include tasks to which two or more subjects should be assigned. In this case, the task may be assigned not only to the first subject but also to other subjects. For this reason, when assigning to the remaining subjects, the information processing device 101 may fix the assignment of the second task group to the first subject, and assign the task groups to be assigned (including the second task group) to the remaining subjects.

[0044] (System configuration example of information processing system 200) Next, a system configuration example of an information processing system 200 including the information processing device 101 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. In the following description, a case where the information processing device 101 shown in Fig. 1 is applied to a task allocation device 201 in the information processing system 200 will be described as an example.

[0045] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system 200. In Fig. 2, the information processing system 200 includes a work assignment device 201 and a client device 202. In the information processing system 200, the work assignment device 201 and the client device 202 are connected via a wired or wireless network 210. The network 210 is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0046] Here, the work allocation device 201 is a computer having an assignment result storage DB (Database) 220 and a resource data storage DB 230, and supporting task scheduling in a medical institution. Medical institutions are, for example, hospitals, clinics, etc. A task is a job (work) performed by staff at a medical institution. A task is, for example, a medical procedure such as surgery, rehabilitation, or examination. The work allocation device 201 is, for example, a server.

[0047] The contents stored in the allocation result storage DB 220 and the resource data storage DB 230 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0048] The client device 202 is a computer used by a user of the information processing system 200. The user is, for example, a person who performs schedule adjustment work (such as a head nurse). The client device 202 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC.

[0049] Here, the task allocation device 201 and the client device 202 are provided separately, but this is not limiting. For example, the task allocation device 201 may be realized by the client device 202. Furthermore, the information processing system 200 may include a plurality of client devices 202.

[0050] (Example of Hardware Configuration of Work Allocation Device 201) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the work allocation device 201 will be described.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the task allocation device 201. In Fig. 3, the task allocation device 201 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, a disk drive 303, a disk 304, a communication I / F (Interface) 305, a portable recording medium I / F 306, and a portable recording medium 307. Furthermore, each component is connected to each other by a bus 300.

[0052] Here, CPU 301 is responsible for the overall control of task allocation device 201. CPU 301 may have multiple cores. Memory 302 includes, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a flash ROM. Specifically, for example, the flash ROM stores an OS program, the ROM stores application programs, and the RAM is used as a work area for CPU 301. The programs stored in memory 302 are loaded into CPU 301 to cause CPU 301 to execute the coded processes.

[0053] The disk drive 303 controls reading / writing data from / to the disk 304 under the control of the CPU 301. The disk 304 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 303. The disk 304 is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like.

[0054] The communication I / F 305 is connected to the network 210 through a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (e.g., the client device 202 shown in FIG. 2) via the network 210. The communication I / F 305 manages the interface between the network 210 and the inside of the device, and controls input and output of data from the external computer. The communication I / F 305 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter.

[0055] The portable recording medium I / F 306 controls reading / writing of data from / to the portable recording medium 307 under the control of the CPU 301. The portable recording medium 307 stores data written under the control of the portable recording medium I / F 306. Examples of the portable recording medium 307 include a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0056] Note that the task assignment device 201 may have, in addition to the above-mentioned components, for example, an input device, a display, a scanner, a printer, etc. Furthermore, the task assignment device 201 does not need to have, for example, the portable recording medium I / F 306 and the portable recording medium 307 among the above-mentioned components. The client device 202 shown in Fig. 2 can also be realized with the same hardware configuration as the task assignment device 201. However, the client device 202 has, in addition to the above-mentioned components, for example, an input device, a display, etc.

[0057] (Storage contents of allocation result storage DB220) Next, the contents stored in the allocation result storage DB 220 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The allocation result storage DB 220 is realized by a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 304 shown in Fig. 3, for example.

[0058] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the allocation result storage DB 220. In Fig. 4, the allocation result storage DB 220 has fields for surgery name, date, start time, end time, required skills, and staff in charge, and stores allocation results (e.g., allocation results 400-1, 400-2) as records by setting information in each field.

[0059] Here, the surgery name is the name of the surgery. Surgery is an example of a task. The date indicates the date the surgery is scheduled to be performed. The start time and end time indicate the start time and end time when the surgery is scheduled to be performed. The required skills indicate the skills required for the surgery. The staff in charge indicates the staff (subjects) assigned to the surgery.

[0060] For example, the allocation result 400-1 indicates the operation name "Surgery 1", the date "2022 / 11 / 1", the start time "9:00", the end time "12:00", the required skill "Null", and the staff in charge "A, B". Note that the required skill "Null" indicates that there is no skill required for Surgery 1.

[0061] (Storage contents of resource data storage DB230) Next, the contents stored in the resource data storage DB 230 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The resource data storage DB 230 is realized by a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 304, for example.

[0062] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the resource data storage DB 230. In Fig. 5, the resource data storage DB 230 has fields for staff name and skill, and stores resource data 500-1 to 500-5 as records by setting information in each field.

[0063] Here, the staff name indicates the name of the staff. The staff is a medical professional (doctor, nurse, etc.) to whom the task (surgery) is assigned. The skill indicates the skill possessed by the staff. The skill is a skill related to the task (surgery). In the skill field, one or more skills or Null is set.

[0064] For example, resource data 500-1 indicates that staff member A has no skill, and resource data 500-5 indicates that staff member E has skill X.

[0065] (Specific examples of data to be allocated) Next, a specific example of the allocation target data will be described. The allocation target data is information that represents a task group (operation group) that is the target of allocation.

[0066] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of allocation target data. In Fig. 6, allocation target data 600 indicates the start, end, date and required skills for each of the surgery groups (Surgery 6, Surgery 7, Surgery 8, Surgery 9, Surgery 10) to be allocated. Start and end indicate the planned start time and end time when the surgery is to be performed. Date indicates the day when the surgery is planned to be performed. Required skills indicate the skills required for the surgery.

[0067] For example, the allocation target data 600 indicates the start time "9:00", end time "10:00", date "11 / 8", and required skill "Skill X" for Surgery 6. The allocation target data 600 also indicates the start time "16:00", end time "18:00", date "11 / 8", and required skill "-" for Surgery 10. Note that the required skill "-" indicates that no skill is required.

[0068] (Example of functional configuration of work allocation device 201) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the work allocation device 201 will be described.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the task allocation device 201. In Fig. 7, the task allocation device 201 includes a reception unit 701, a selection unit 702, a specification unit 703, an adjustment unit 704, an allocation unit 705, and an output unit 706. The reception unit 701 to the output unit 706 are functions that constitute the control unit 700, and specifically, the functions are realized by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302, the disk 304, or the portable recording medium 307 shown in Fig. 3, or by the communication I / F 305. The processing results of each functional unit are stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 or the disk 304.

[0070] In the following description, the work to be assigned may be referred to as a "task," and the person to whom the work is assigned may be referred to as a "staff member."

[0071] The reception unit 701 receives data to be assigned. Here, the data to be assigned is information that indicates a group of tasks to be assigned. The tasks to be assigned are, for example, tasks that are scheduled to be performed during an assignment period that is the subject of a schedule adjustment task. In the case of a schedule adjustment task in a medical institution, for example, the tasks are medical procedures such as surgery and rehabilitation. The assignment period is set to, for example, one week, one month, or the like.

[0072] The allocation target data is, for example, the allocation target data 600 shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 701 receives the allocation target data 600 from the client device 202 shown in Fig. 2. The reception unit 701 may also receive the allocation target data 600 by a user's operation input using an input device (not shown).

[0073] The reception unit 701 also receives designation of multiple staff members to whom the task group to be assigned is to be assigned. Here, the staff members are, for example, medical personnel in a medical institution. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 701 receives the assignment target data 600 from the client device 202 and receives the designation of multiple staff members to whom the task group to be assigned is to be assigned. The reception unit 701 may also receive designation of multiple staff members to whom the task group to be assigned is to be assigned together with the assignment target data 600 by a user's operation input using an input device (not shown).

[0074] The selection unit 702 selects a first staff member whose workload is to be adjusted from among the staff members based on past task group allocation results for the designated staff members. Here, the past task group is a task group that precedes the task group to be allocated. The workload to be adjusted is, for example, the number of tasks or the total work time.

[0075] Specifically, for example, the selection unit 702 acquires the allocation result for the most recent allocation period from the allocation result storage DB 220 shown in Fig. 4. Here, the most recent allocation period is the closest period that has the same period length as the current allocation period. For example, assume that schedule adjustment is performed every week and the current allocation period is one week from "6 / 1 to 6 / 7". In this case, the most recent allocation period is the period from "5 / 25 to 5 / 31".

[0076] Next, the selection unit 702 calculates the amount of work for each of the designated staff members based on the acquired allocation results for the most recent allocation period. The amount of work is represented, for example, by the number of assigned tasks or the total working time. The selection unit 702 then refers to the calculated amount of work for each of the staff members and selects the staff member with the largest amount of work as the first staff member.

[0077] The staff member with the heaviest workload is, for example, the staff member who, among the multiple staff members, has the largest number of tasks assigned in the most recent assignment period or the largest total work time. For example, a skilled staff member with a wealth of experience is selected as the first staff member. A skilled staff member has many skills or has skills that other staff members do not have, and therefore tends to have a larger workload than other staff members.

[0078] There may be two or more staff members with the largest workload. In this case, the selection unit 702 selects, for example, one of the staff members with the largest workload as the first staff member. Also, staff members to be excluded from the adjustment of workload may be set in advance. In this case, the selection unit 702 may select, for example, the staff member with the largest workload from among the designated multiple staff members other than the staff member to be excluded as the first staff member.

[0079] The identification unit 703 identifies a first task group to be handled by the first staff member among the task groups to be assigned based on the skill information of the selected first staff member. Here, the skill information indicates the skills possessed by the staff member. Some of the task groups to be assigned require a specific skill.

[0080] Such tasks require that only staff with specific skills can be assigned to them, or that at least staff with specific skills are included. For example, a certain operation may require staff with a skill called "instrument handing." "Instrument handing" is a skill that allows the proper handing of surgical instruments to the surgeon during the operation.

[0081] In addition, some surgeries may require skills such as communication skills and observation skills. In addition, some surgeries may require sufficient knowledge of a particular medical department. Therefore, skills may be represented, for example, by the medical department in which the surgeon has sufficient knowledge.

[0082] For this reason, the identification unit 703 identifies the first task group to be handled by the first staff member according to the skills required for each of the task groups to be assigned, for example, based on the skill information of the first staff member. The skills required for each of the task groups to be assigned are identified, for example, from the assignment target data.

[0083] Specifically, for example, the identifying unit 703 identifies the skills (skill information) of the selected first staff member by referring to the resource data storage DB 230 shown in Fig. 5. Then, the identifying unit 703 identifies all tasks for which the first staff member has the required skills from among the task group to be assigned as the first task group.

[0084] For example, suppose that the task group to be assigned includes a task (surgery) that requires "instrument placement." Also suppose that the first staff member has the skill of "instrument placement." In this case, the identifying unit 703 identifies the task (surgery) that requires "instrument placement" as one of the first task group.

[0085] Also, assume that the task group to be assigned includes a task (surgery) that requires "communication skills." Also assume that the first staff member has the skill of "communication skills." In this case, the identifying unit 703 identifies the task (surgery) that requires "communication skills" as one of the first task group.

[0086] Also, assume that the task group to be assigned includes a task (surgery) that requires a "specific medical department." Also assume that the first staff member has skills in the "specific medical department." In this case, the identifying unit 703 identifies the task (surgery) that requires a "specific medical department" as one of the first task group.

[0087] Also, assume that the task group to be assigned includes a task (rehabilitation) that requires a "certified nurse qualification." Also assume that the first staff member has the skill of a "certified nurse qualification." In this case, the identifying unit 703 identifies the task (rehabilitation) that requires a "certified nurse qualification" as one of the first task group.

[0088] In addition, the task group to be assigned includes a task (rehabilitation) that requires "more than 10 years of work experience." In addition, the first staff member has the skill of "20 years of work experience." In this case, the identifying unit 703 identifies the task (rehabilitation) that requires "more than 10 years of work experience" as one of the first task group.

[0089] There may be cases where the first staff member does not have any of the skills. In this case, the identifying unit 703 may, for example, identify one or more tasks as the first task group from among the tasks that do not require skills (professional skills) among the task group to be assigned. In this case, the identifying unit 703 may, for example, identify one or more tasks so that the total amount of work of the first task group does not exceed the allowable amount.

[0090] When the total workload of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, the adjustment unit 704 adjusts the task group to be handled by the first staff member by deleting at least one task from the first task group. Here, the total workload of the first task group is the sum of the workload of each task in the first task group.

[0091] The predetermined allowable amount is set based on, for example, past task group allocation results for a plurality of staff members. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 704 calculates the past total workload of the first staff member and the average total workload obtained by averaging the past total workloads of each of the plurality of staff members based on the allocation results within the most recent allocation period.

[0092] Next, the adjustment unit 704 calculates the difference between the calculated average total workload and the calculated past total workload of the first staff member. Then, the adjustment unit 704 sets the workload obtained by subtracting the calculated difference from the average total workload as the predetermined allowable amount. In this way, the adjustment unit 704 sets the allowable amount so that the first staff member does not become overworked in the total of two consecutive allocation periods, based on the average total workload in the most recent allocation period. However, the predetermined allowable amount may be set in advance, for example.

[0093] Specifically, for example, when the total workload of the first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, the adjustment unit 704 deletes at least one task from the first task group to identify a second task group in which the task has been deleted from the first task group. The second task group includes one or more tasks and corresponds to the adjusted task group.

[0094] Furthermore, when adjusting the task group to be handled by the first staff member, the adjustment unit 704 may preferentially delete tasks with long working times from the first task group. The working time of a task is identified, for example, from the start time and end time of the assignment target data. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 704 preferentially deletes tasks with long working times from the first task group until the total amount of work of the adjusted task group (second task group) becomes equal to or less than the allowable amount, thereby identifying the second task group.

[0095] Also, each of the task groups to be assigned is a medical procedure such as surgery or rehabilitation at a medical institution. In this case, the adjustment unit 704 may preferentially delete tasks with low medical fee points from the first task group when adjusting the task group to be handled by the first staff member. The medical fee points are points determined for each medical procedure and correspond to the fee that the medical institution receives for the medical procedure. Specifically, for example, the adjustment unit 704 identifies the second task group by preferentially deleting tasks with low medical fee points from the first task group until the total amount of work of the adjusted task group (second task group) is equal to or less than the allowable amount.

[0096] The allocation unit 705 fixes the allocation of the specified second task group to the first staff member, and allocates the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining staff members other than the first staff member. Specifically, for example, the allocation unit 705 extracts constraint conditions to be satisfied for the task groups to be allocated based on the past task group allocation results and the skill information of each of the multiple staff members. At this time, the allocation unit 705 extracts constraint conditions to be satisfied for the task groups to be allocated, for example, by referring to the start time, end time, and required skill of each of the past task groups.

[0097] More specifically, for example, the allocation unit 705 analyzes the past task group allocation results and the skill information of each of the multiple staff members by co-occurrence analysis or the like to extract constraint conditions that are estimated to have been used in the past allocations. Then, the allocation unit 705 extracts the extracted constraint conditions as constraint conditions that should be satisfied for the task group to be allocated.

[0098] Constraints include, for example, "each task requires two staff members," "for tasks that require skills, assign staff members who have the required skills," "each staff member is assigned one or more tasks," and "the same staff member is not assigned to tasks at the same time."

[0099] Then, the allocation unit 705 fixes the allocation of the identified second task group to the first staff, and allocates the remaining staff of the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated so as to satisfy the extracted constraint condition. However, the allocation unit 705 may use a preset constraint condition.

[0100] More specifically, for example, the allocation unit 705 fixes the allocation of the identified second task group to the first staff, and creates a constraint equation for the extracted constraint condition. Then, the allocation unit 705 uses the created constraint equation by a mathematical optimization technique to allocate the remaining staff of the task group other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated.

[0101] Also, the second task group may include a task to which two or more staff members should be assigned. In this case, not only the first staff member but also other staff members can be assigned to the task. Therefore, the allocation unit 705 may fix the allocation of the second task group to the first staff member and perform allocation to the remaining staff members of the task group to be assigned (including the second task group). For example, the allocation unit 705 may perform allocation to the remaining staff members of the task group to be assigned using a constraint equation created by a mathematical optimization technique.

[0102] An example of creating a constraint equation will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0103] The allocating unit 705 may also output the extracted constraint conditions. The constraint conditions are output to, for example, a computer (such as the client device 202 shown in FIG. 2) used by a person who performs the schedule adjustment work. Specifically, for example, the allocating unit 705 outputs each of the extracted constraint conditions to the client device 202 so that it can be specified as a constraint condition candidate.

[0104] Then, the allocation unit 705 accepts designation of a constraint condition to be applied to the allocation of the task group to be allocated from among the output constraint conditions (constraint condition candidates). Specifically, for example, the allocation unit 705 accepts designation of a constraint condition to be applied to the allocation of the task group to be allocated from the client device 202.

[0105] In this case, the allocation unit 705 fixes the allocation of the identified second task group to the first staff, and allocates the remaining staff of the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated (or the task groups to be allocated) to satisfy the specified constraint condition.

[0106] An example of output of constraint conditions (candidate constraint conditions) will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0107] In addition, in adjusting the group of tasks to be handled by the first staff member, there may be no staff member other than the first staff member who can handle the task deleted from the first task group. For example, there may be no staff member among the remaining staff members who has the skills required for the deleted task.

[0108] In this case, the adjustment unit 704 may update the task group to be assigned by excluding the deleted task from the task group to be assigned. Then, the adjustment unit 704 fixes the assignment of the specified second task group to the first staff member, and assigns the task group other than the second task group among the updated task group to be assigned to the remaining staff members. At this time, the adjustment unit 704 may assign the updated task group to be assigned (including the second task group) to the remaining staff members, for example.

[0109] The skill information of the remaining staff members other than the first staff member is identified, for example, from the resource data storage DB 230. The excluded task is, for example, allocated next or subsequent times.

[0110] The output unit 706 outputs the allocation results for the task group to be allocated to multiple staff members. The output format of the output unit 706 can be, for example, storage in a storage device such as the memory 302 or the disk 304, transmission to another computer (for example, the client device 202) via the communication I / F 305, display on a display (not shown), or printout on a printer (not shown).

[0111] Furthermore, when there is a task deleted from the first task group (a task removed from the task group to be assigned), the output unit 706 may output adjustment support information when outputting the allocation result for the task group to be assigned to a plurality of staff members. Here, the adjustment support information is information that prompts the task deleted from the first task group to be assigned next or subsequent times. The adjustment support information is displayed, for example, using a message, an icon, or the like.

[0112] An example of an output of the allocation result of the task group to be allocated will be described later with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. An example of an output of the adjustment support information will also be described later with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0113] In addition, when determining the workload of each task, the task allocation device 201 may weight the workload of each task based on the type of each task. For example, a task may require high concentration, which may place a heavy burden on the worker even if the task time is short. For example, a task with a high level of difficulty may require a high level of concentration compared to a task with a low level of difficulty.

[0114] For this reason, when determining the workload of each task, the task allocation device 201 may weight the workload of a task of type (difficulty: high) with a weight of "1.2", the workload of a task of type (difficulty: medium) with a weight of "1.0", and the workload of a task of type (difficulty: low) with a weight of "0.8". The type of each task may be included in the allocation target data, for example.

[0115] (Example of operation of the work allocation device 201) Next, an example of the operation of the work allocation device 201 will be described. Here, the explanation will be given by taking the schedule adjustment work in a hospital as an example. Also, it is assumed that the task to be assigned is "surgery" and there are "two" operating rooms. Also, it is assumed that the multiple staff members to be assigned are "staff members A, B, C, D, and E." It is also assumed that the schedule adjustment is performed on a weekly basis, the current assignment period is "11 / 8 to 11 / 14," and the assignment target data 600 shown in FIG. 6 has been received.

[0116] In this case, the work allocation device 201, for example, acquires the allocation results for the most recent allocation period "11 / 1 to 11 / 7" from the allocation result storage DB 220. The allocation results for the most recent allocation period "11 / 1 to 11 / 7" correspond to the results of last week's schedule adjustment work. Here, it is assumed that the allocation results shown in FIG. 8 are acquired.

[0117] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of past allocation results. In Fig. 8, allocation results 400-1 to 400-5 indicate allocation results in the most recent allocation period "11 / 1 to 11 / 7" acquired from the allocation result storage DB 220.

[0118] Based on the acquired assignment results 400-1 to 400-5, the work allocation device 201 analyzes the working status of each of the staff members A, B, C, D, and E. Specifically, for example, the work allocation device 201 calculates the total working hours (corresponding to the total amount of work) of each of the staff members A, B, C, D, and E based on the assignment results 400-1 to 400-5.

[0119] For example, Staff A is assigned to Surgery 1 and Surgery 5. The working hours for Surgery 1 are 3 hours because the start time is "9:00" and the end time is "12:00". The working hours for Surgery 5 are 2 hours because the start time is "17:00" and the end time is "19:00".

[0120] Therefore, the total working hours of staff A is 5 hours. The total working hours of staff B is 5 hours. The total working hours of staff C is 5 hours. The total working hours of staff D is 2 hours. The total working hours of staff E is 7 hours.

[0121] Next, the work allocation device 201 refers to the calculated total working hours of each staff member A, B, C, D, and E, and selects staff member E, who has the longest total working hours, as an experienced staff member among staff members A, B, C, D, and E. The experienced staff member corresponds to the first staff member whose workload (amount of work) is to be adjusted.

[0122] The work allocation device 201 may select the staff member who has performed the largest number of surgeries as the experienced staff member among staff members A, B, C, D, and E. In the example of the allocation results 400-1 to 400-5, the staff member who has performed the largest number of surgeries is also staff member E.

[0123] In addition, the work allocation device 201 calculates the average working time H_avg by averaging the total working time of each staff member A, B, C, D, and E. The average working time H_avg corresponds to the average total workload described above. In this example, the average working time H_avg is 4.8 hours (=(5+5+5+2+7) / 5).

[0124] The work allocation device 201 also calculates the difference D_E-avg between the calculated average working time H_avg and the total working time of the skilled staff. In this case, since the total working time of skilled staff E is 7 hours, the difference D_E-avg is 2.2 hours (=7-4.8). The difference D_E-avg "2.2 hours" indicates that skilled staff E worked 2.2 hours more than the average of staff A, B, C, D, and E during last week's work.

[0125] 5, the work allocation device 201 identifies the resource data 500-5 of the selected skilled staff E. Then, based on the identified resource data 500-5, the work allocation device 201 identifies the surgery group Z (first task group) that the skilled staff E should be in charge of, among the surgery group Y to be assigned.

[0126] Here, the surgery group Y to be assigned is comprised of surgeries 6 to 10 according to the assignment target data 600. Furthermore, it is identified from the resource data 500-5 that experienced staff member E has skill X. Therefore, the work allocation device 201 identifies, from among the surgery groups 6 to 10 to be assigned, surgeries 6, 7, and 8 which require skill X as surgery group Z. Next, the work allocation device 201 calculates the total working hours H_z of the identified surgery group Z. Here, the total working hours H_z is 5 hours (=2+1+2).

[0127] Furthermore, the task allocation device 201 calculates the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg available for work in the current task by subtracting the calculated difference D_E-avg from the calculated average work time H_avg. The allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg available for work in the current task corresponds to the allowable amount. Here, the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg is 2.6 hours (=4.8-2.2).

[0128] Next, the task allocation device 201 judges whether the total working time H_z of the surgery group Z exceeds the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg available for the current task. In this example, the total working time H_z is "5 hours" and the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg is "2.6 hours." Therefore, the total working time H_z exceeds the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg.

[0129] In this case, the work allocation device 201 adjusts the surgery group Z by deleting one of the surgeries from the surgery group Z. Specifically, for example, the work allocation device 201 deletes one of the surgeries from the surgery group Z so that the total working time H_z of the surgery group Z is equal to or less than the allowable working time H_avg-D_E-avg for the current task. Here, when adjusting the surgery group Z, the work allocation device 201 prioritizes deleting surgeries with long working times (task times) from the surgery group Z.

[0130] In this case, surgeries 6 and 8 are deleted from surgery group Z so that the allowable time is less than or equal to H_avg-D_E-avg. As a result, the adjusted surgery group Z_update (second task group) becomes Surgery 7. The total working time H_z of surgery group Z_update becomes 1 hour, which is less than the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg.

[0131] If the total working time H_z of the surgery group Z_update falls short of the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg, the work allocation device 201 may add either surgery 9 or 10, other than the deleted surgeries 6 and 8, to the surgery group Z_update so as not to exceed the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg. In this case, no surgery is added because there is no surgery that can be added so as not to exceed the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg.

[0132] In addition, there may be cases where the total working time H_z of the surgery group Z before adjustment falls short of the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg. In this case, the work assignment device 201 may adjust the surgery group Z by, for example, adding either surgery 9 or 10 to the surgery group Z so that the total working time H_z does not exceed the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg.

[0133] In the above explanation, when adjusting the surgery group Z, surgeries with long working hours are preferentially deleted from the surgery group Z, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when adjusting the surgery group Z, the work allocation device 201 may preferentially delete surgeries with low medical fee points from the surgery group Z. For example, suppose that in the surgery group Z, the medical fee points for surgery 6 are "500 points," the medical fee points for surgery 7 are "100 points," and the medical fee points for surgery 8 are "300 points."

[0134] In this case, the task allocation device 201 first removes Surgery 7, which has the lowest medical fee points, from Surgery Group Z. The total working time H_z at this point is 4 hours, which exceeds the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg. Therefore, the task allocation device 201 further removes Surgery 8, which has the second lowest medical fee points, from Surgery Group Z. The total working time H_z at this point is 2 hours, which is below the allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg. As a result, Surgery Group Z_update becomes Surgery 6.

[0135] Here, the surgeries 6 and 8 deleted from the surgery group Z are surgeries that require skill X, and there is no remaining staff member other than skilled staff member E who can take charge of them. In this case, the task allocation device 201 updates the surgery group Y to be assigned. An example of updating the surgery group Y to be assigned will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0136] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of updating a surgery group to be assigned. In Fig. 9, the surgery group Y to be assigned is the surgery group before the update represented by the assignment target data 600. Moreover, the surgery group Y_update to be assigned is the surgery group after the update. In the surgery group Y_update to be assigned, surgeries 6 and 8, which do not have any available staff other than the skilled staff member E, have been deleted. Surgeries 6 and 8 will be assigned, for example, next time onwards.

[0137] Next, the work allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the adjusted surgery group Z_update to the skilled staff E, and performs allocation to the remaining staff A, B, C, and D other than the skilled staff E of the surgery group Y_update to be allocated. Here, staff other than the skilled staff E can also be allocated to the adjusted surgery group Z_update (surgery 7).

[0138] For example, the work allocation device 201 analyzes the allocation results 400-1 to 400-5 and the resource data 500-1 to 500-5 of each staff member A, B, C, D, and E by co-occurrence analysis or the like to extract constraint condition candidates to be used in the current schedule adjustment work. Here, the following constraint condition candidates 1 to 4 are extracted by extracting rule relationships and the like from last week's allocation results 400-1 to 400-5 by co-occurrence analysis or the like.

[0139] Constraint candidate 1: Each operation requires two staff members Constraint candidate 2: For surgeries that require "skill X," assign staff with "skill X." Constraint candidate 3: Each staff member is assigned at least one surgery. Constraint candidate 4: Do not assign the same staff to surgery during the same time slot

[0140] Next, the work allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the surgery group Z_update to the skilled staff E, and creates a constraint equation for the extracted constraint condition candidates 1 to 4. Specifically, for example, the work allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the surgery group Z_update to the skilled staff E, and creates a constraint equation by formulating the constraint condition candidates 1 to 4 and the surgery group Y_update to be allocated.

[0141] Here, an example of creating a constraint equation will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of creating a constraint equation. In Fig. 10, a variable table 1000 shows the allocation status of operations 7, 9, and 10 to staff members A, B, C, D, and E. Surgeries 7, 9, and 10 correspond to the surgery group Z_update. Variables X11 to X14, X21 to X24, and X31 to X34 are variables that show the allocation status of operations 7, 9, and 10 to each staff member A, B, C, and D.

[0143] Each variable X11 to X14, X21 to X24, and X31 to X34 is either 0 or 1. 0 indicates no allocation. 1 indicates allocation. Since the allocation for experienced staff E is fixed, the allocation status of operations 7, 9, and 10 to experienced staff E is "1, 0, 0."

[0144] The work allocation device 201 creates constraint formula 1 for constraint condition candidates 1 to 4 using variables in the variable table 1000. Here, constraint formula 1 for constraint condition candidate 1 is "X11+X12+X13+X14=1" for Surgery 7, "X21+X22+X23+X24=2" for Surgery 9, and "X31+X32+X33+X34=2" for Surgery 10. Constraint formula 2 for constraint condition candidate 2 has no formula because skilled staff E is fixedly assigned to Surgery 7.

[0145] Constraint formula 3 for constraint condition candidate 3 is "X11+X21+X31>=1" for staff A, "X12+X22+X32>=1" for staff B, "X13+X23+X33>=1" for staff C, and "X14+X24+X34>=1" for staff D. Constraint formula 4 for constraint condition candidate 4 has no formula because there are no surgeries in the same time slot.

[0146] Next, the task allocation device 201 outputs the extracted constraint condition candidates in a specifiable manner, for example. In this example, the constraint condition candidates are output to the client device 202 used by the head nurse who performs the schedule adjustment work.

[0147] Here, an example of output of constraint condition candidates will be described with reference to FIG.

[0148] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output of constraint condition candidates. In Fig. 11, a constraint condition selection screen 1100 is an example of an operation screen for specifying the constraint conditions to be applied to the current allocation. The constraint condition selection screen 1100 includes a Gantt chart 1110, a surgery schedule list 1120, and a constraint condition candidate list 1130.

[0149] Gantt chart 1110 displays surgeries 7, 9, and 10 scheduled for November 8 in rooms 1 and 2, respectively, in association with the scheduled times (start time to end time). Rooms 1 and 2 indicate operating rooms. Gantt chart 1110 is displayed when, for example, November 8 is selected in calendar 1111.

[0150] The surgery schedule list 1120 shows surgeries 7, 9, and 10 scheduled for the current allocation period "11 / 8 to 11 / 14." The surgeries 7, 9, and 10 correspond to the surgery group Z_update. The constraint condition candidate list 1130 shows constraint condition candidates 1 to 4.

[0151] On the constraint condition selection screen 1100, the user (head nurse) can specify the constraint condition to be applied to the current allocation by moving the cursor cs and clicking check boxes 1131 to 1134 corresponding to constraint condition candidates 1 to 4 through operational input. For example, by clicking and checking the check box 1131, constraint condition candidate 1 can be specified.

[0152] Furthermore, the constraint condition designation can be confirmed by clicking button 1101 through operation input by the user (head nurse) on the constraint condition selection screen 1100. Here, it is assumed that the button 1101 is clicked with all of the check boxes 1131 to 1134 checked.

[0153] In this case, all of the constraint candidate 1 to 4 are specified as the constraint 1 to 4 to be applied to the current allocation. Then, the task allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the skilled staff E of the surgery group Z_update, and allocates the remaining staff A, B, C, and D other than the skilled staff E of the surgery group Y_update to be allocated so as to satisfy the specified constraint 1 to 4.

[0154] More specifically, for example, the task allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the surgical group Z_update to the experienced staff E, and solves the optimization problem with an existing solver using constraints 1 to 4 (but constraints 2 and 4 are not included). This calculates the values ​​of the variables X11 to X14, X21 to X24, and X31 to X34, and obtains the allocation results for the remaining staff A, B, C, and D.

[0155] Here, a specific example of the allocation result will be described with reference to FIG.

[0156] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the allocation result. In Fig. 12, an allocation result table 1200 shows the allocation results for staff members A, B, C, D, and E for surgeries 7, 9, and 10, which are the surgery group Y_update to be allocated.

[0157] In the allocation result table 1200, Surgery 7 is assigned to staff A. Surgery 10 is assigned to staff B. Surgery 9 is assigned to staff C. Surgeries 9 and 10 are assigned to staff D. Surgery 7 is assigned to staff E.

[0158] Next, an example of output of the allocation result will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG.

[0159] 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the output of the allocation result. In Fig. 13, an allocation result screen 1300 is an example of an operation screen showing the allocation result for staff members A, B, C, D, and E for surgeries 7, 9, and 10, which are the surgery group Y_update to be allocated. The allocation result screen 1300 includes a Gantt chart 1310, a surgery schedule list 1320, and adjustment support information 1330.

[0160] Gantt chart 1310 displays surgeries 7, 9, and 10 scheduled for November 8 in rooms 1 and 2, respectively, in association with the planned implementation times (start time to end time). Rooms 1 and 2 indicate operating rooms. Gantt chart 1310 is displayed when November 8 is selected in calendar 1311, for example. Coordination support information 1330 is information that prompts surgeries 6 and 8, which have been deleted from surgery group Y to be allocated, to be moved to the next or subsequent allocations.

[0161] On the allocation result screen 1300, the user (head nurse) can display the staff assigned to the selected surgery by moving the cursor cs and selecting one of Surgery 7, 9, or 10 through operational input. For example, when Surgery 7 is selected, an allocation result 1400 is displayed as a pop-up, as shown in FIG.

[0162] Allocation result 1400 shows staff A and E assigned to Surgery 7. Although not shown, when Surgery 9 is selected on the allocation result screen 1300, staff C and D assigned to Surgery 9 are displayed in a pop-up. Furthermore, when Surgery 10 is selected, staff B and D assigned to Surgery 10 are displayed in a pop-up.

[0163] According to the allocation result screen 1300, the user (head nurse) can check the allocation results for staff members A, B, C, D, and E of the surgery group Y_update to be allocated. Furthermore, by adjusting the schedule according to this allocation result, the user (head nurse) can prevent experienced staff member E from being overworked and can equalize the work (work hours). Furthermore, by referring to the adjustment support information 1330, the user (head nurse) can see that surgeries 6 and 8, which were deleted from the surgery group Y to be allocated, should be allocated from the following week onwards in order to equalize the work hours.

[0164] (Work assignment process procedure of the work assignment device 201) Next, a description will be given of a procedure for task allocation processing by the task allocation device 201. Here, a schedule adjustment task in a hospital is taken as an example, and a task to be allocated is "surgery."

[0165] 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of a task allocation procedure of the task allocation device 201. In the flowchart of Fig. 15, first, the task allocation device 201 judges whether or not it has received assignment target data representing a surgery group to be assigned (step S1501). Note that, for example, when receiving the assignment target data, the task allocation device 201 receives designation of multiple staff members to be assigned to the surgery group to be assigned.

[0166] Here, the work allocation device 201 waits to receive the assignment target data (step S1501: No). Then, when the work allocation device 201 receives the assignment target data (step S1501: Yes), it acquires past assignment results from the assignment result storage DB 220 (step S1502). The past assignment results are, for example, assignment results from a period that is the same in period length as the current assignment period and is the closest period.

[0167] Next, the work allocation device 201 calculates the total working hours of each of the specified staff members based on the acquired past assignment results (step S1503). Next, the work allocation device 201 analyzes the acquired past assignment results and the resource data of each staff member in the resource data storage DB 230 to extract constraint condition candidates (step S1504).

[0168] Then, the work allocation device 201 refers to the calculated total working hours of each staff member and selects the staff member with the longest total working hours from among the multiple staff members (step S1505). Here, the selected staff member is referred to as a "skilled staff member."

[0169] Next, the task allocation device 201 calculates the available work time of the selected experienced staff member based on the calculated total work time of each staff member (step S1506). The available work time is the allowable work time for the current task, and corresponds to, for example, the above-mentioned allowable time H_avg-D_E-avg.

[0170] Then, the work allocation device 201 identifies a first surgery group to be handled by the experienced staff among the surgery groups to be assigned based on the resource data of the experienced staff in the resource data storage DB 230 (step S1507). Next, the work allocation device 201 refers to the assignment target data to calculate the total working time of the identified first surgery group (step S1508), and proceeds to step S1601 shown in FIG.

[0171] In the flowchart of Fig. 16, first, the work allocation device 201 judges whether the calculated total working hours of the first surgery group exceeds the calculated available working hours (step S1601). If the calculated total working hours of the first surgery group is equal to or less than the available working hours (step S1601: No), the work allocation device 201 proceeds to step S1605.

[0172] On the other hand, if the total working hours of the first surgery group exceed the available working hours (step S1601: Yes), the work allocation device 201 identifies a second surgery group in which one of the surgeries has been removed from the first surgery group by removing that surgery from the first surgery group so that the total working hours of the first surgery group is equal to or less than the available working hours (step S1602).

[0173] Next, the task allocation device 201 judges whether or not there is a staff member who can take charge of the surgery deleted from the first surgery group among the remaining staff members other than the experienced staff members (step S1603). If there is a staff member who can take charge of the surgery (step S1603: Yes), the task allocation device 201 proceeds to step S1605.

[0174] On the other hand, if there is no available staff member (step S1603: No), the task allocation device 201 updates the surgery group to be assigned by excluding the deleted surgery from the surgery group to be assigned (step S1604). Next, the task allocation device 201 assigns the adjusted surgery group to an experienced staff member (step S1605).

[0175] If the total working hours of the first surgery group are equal to or less than the available working hours (step S1601: No), the surgery group after adjustment will be the first surgery group. If the total working hours of the first surgery group are greater than the available working hours (step S1601: Yes), the surgery group after adjustment will be the second surgery group.

[0176] The task allocation device 201 then outputs the extracted constraint condition candidates in a specifiable manner (step S1606). Next, the task allocation device 201 determines whether or not a constraint condition to be applied to the current assignment has been specified from the output constraint condition candidates (step S1607). Here, the task allocation device 201 waits for a constraint condition to be specified (step S1607: No).

[0177] If a constraint is specified (step S1607: Yes), the work allocation device 201 fixes the allocation to the experienced staff of the adjusted surgery group, and allocates to the remaining staff other than the experienced staff of the surgery group to be assigned so as to satisfy the specified constraint (step S1608).

[0178] Specifically, for example, the task allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the adjusted surgery group to the skilled staff, and solves the optimization problem by an existing solver using a constraint equation corresponding to the specified constraint condition. If the surgery group to be assigned is updated, the updated surgery group to be assigned is assigned to the remaining staff. In addition, in step S1608, the task allocation device 201 may fix the allocation of the adjusted surgery group to the skilled staff, and assign task groups other than the adjusted task group among the surgery groups to be assigned to the remaining staff so as to satisfy the specified constraint condition.

[0179] The task allocation device 201 then outputs the allocation results for the surgery group to be allocated to multiple staff members (step S1609), and ends the series of processes according to this flowchart. At this time, if there is a surgery excluded from the surgery group to be allocated, the task allocation device 201 may also output adjustment support information to encourage the excluded surgery to be allocated next or subsequent times.

[0180] This allows the work allocation device 201 to equalize the amount of work among a plurality of staff members.

[0181] The task allocation device 201 may omit the processes of steps S1606 and S1607. In this case, for example, in step S1608, the task allocation device 201 fixes the allocation of the skilled staff of the surgery group after adjustment, and allocates the remaining staff other than the skilled staff of the surgery group to be allocated so as to satisfy the constraint condition candidates extracted in step S1504.

[0182] As described above, the task allocation device 201 according to the embodiment can select a first staff member to be adjusted in workload from among a plurality of staff members based on the allocation results of a task group prior to the task group to be assigned to the plurality of staff members to which the task group to be assigned is to be assigned. For example, the task allocation device 201 selects a staff member who has the largest number of assigned tasks or the largest total work time among the plurality of staff members as the first staff member. The allocation results of a task group prior to the task group to be assigned are, for example, the allocation results of a task group in a past allocation period whose period length is the same as that of the task group to be assigned.

[0183] This allows the work allocation device 201 to select staff members whose work volume is greater than that of other staff members as targets for adjusting the workload.

[0184] Furthermore, the task allocation device 201 can identify a first task group to be handled by the first staff member among the task groups to be assigned based on the skill information of the selected first staff member, and when the total workload of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, can identify a second task group from which the task has been deleted by deleting at least one task from the first task group. Then, the task allocation device 201 can fix the allocation of the identified second task group to the first staff member, and assign the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be assigned to the remaining staff members other than the first staff member. At this time, the task allocation device 201 may fix the allocation of the second task group to the first staff member, and assign the task groups to be assigned (including the second task group) to the remaining staff members.

[0185] This allows the work allocation device 201 to appropriately adjust the amount of work that tends to be biased toward skilled, experienced staff, and prevent staff from becoming overworked.

[0186] Furthermore, according to the work allocation device 201, when there is no staff member other than the first staff member who can handle the work deleted from the first task group, the deleted work is removed from the task group to be assigned, thereby updating the task group to be assigned. Then, according to the work allocation device 201, the assignment of the specified second task group to the first staff member can be fixed, and the task group other than the second task group among the updated task group to be assigned can be assigned to the remaining staff members. At this time, the work allocation device 201 may, for example, fix the assignment of the second task group to the first staff member, and assign the updated task group to be assigned (including the second task group) to the remaining staff members.

[0187] As a result, even if there is a task that must be assigned to a specific staff member (first staff member) due to constraints on the required skills, the work assignment device 201 can adjust the workload that tends to be biased toward experienced staff members by, for example, postponing the task for future assignments.

[0188] In addition, according to the work allocation device 201, when outputting the allocation results for a group of tasks to be assigned to multiple staff members, it is possible to output adjustment support information that prompts the staff members to allocate the work that has been deleted from the first group of tasks to the next or subsequent assignments.

[0189] This allows the work allocation device 201 to present tasks that should be excluded from the current allocation and moved to the next or subsequent allocations in order to level out the workload among multiple staff members.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the work allocation device 201, when the total workload of the first task group exceeds the allowable workload, a task with a long working time is preferentially deleted from the first task group, thereby making it possible to identify a second task group in which the task with the long working time has been deleted from the first task group.

[0191] This allows the work allocation device 201 to efficiently adjust the tasks to be handled by the first staff member so that the total workload of the first tasks is equal to or less than the allowable workload. Also, the work allocation device 201 can, for example, reduce the number of tasks to be excluded from the current assignment and transferred to the next or subsequent assignments.

[0192] Furthermore, according to the task allocation device 201, when the total workload of the first task group exceeds the allowable workload, the task with a low medical fee point is preferentially deleted from the first task group, and a second task group can be identified by deleting the task from the first task group. However, each of the task groups to be assigned is, for example, a medical procedure such as surgery.

[0193] This allows the work allocation device 201 to adjust the group of tasks to be handled by the first staff member so that the total workload of the adjusted group of tasks is below the allowable workload, while taking into account the profits of the medical institution and preventing management losses.

[0194] Furthermore, the task allocation device 201 can extract constraint conditions to be satisfied for the task group to be assigned based on the allocation results of the task group prior to the task group to be assigned and the skill information of each of the multiple staff members.The task allocation device 201 can fix the allocation of the specified second task group to the first staff member, and assign the remaining staff members of the task group other than the second task group among the task group to be assigned so as to satisfy the extracted constraint conditions.At this time, the task allocation device 201 may fix the allocation of the second task group to the first staff member, and assign the remaining staff members of the task group to be assigned (including the second task group) so as to satisfy the extracted constraint conditions, for example.

[0195] As a result, the work allocation device 201 can analyze the past task group allocation results and the resource data (skill information) used at the time of the allocation by co-occurrence analysis or the like, extract constraint conditions that may have been used in the past allocation, and use them for the current allocation. Furthermore, the work allocation device 201 can reduce the user's efforts compared to manually setting the constraint conditions to be used for the current allocation.

[0196] Furthermore, the task allocation device 201 can output the extracted constraint conditions and accept the designation of the constraint conditions to be applied to the allocation of the task group to be assigned from among the output constraint conditions. The task allocation device 201 can fix the assignment of the specified second task group to the first staff, and assign the remaining staff of the task group other than the second task group to the task group to be assigned so as to satisfy the designated constraint conditions. At this time, the task allocation device 201 may fix the assignment of the second task group to the first staff, and assign the remaining staff of the task group to be assigned (including the second task group) so as to satisfy the designated constraint conditions, for example.

[0197] In this way, the task allocation device 201 allows the user to specify constraint conditions to be used for the current assignment from among the automatically extracted constraint conditions. This allows the task allocation device 201 to prevent the application of constraint conditions that are inappropriate for the current assignment, thereby improving the accuracy of the assignment of the task group to be assigned.

[0198] Furthermore, according to the work allocation device 201, based on the allocation results of task groups prior to the task group to be allocated, the past total workload of the first staff member and an average total workload calculated by averaging the past total workloads of each of the multiple staff members can be calculated, the difference between the calculated average total workload and the calculated past total workload of the first staff member can be calculated, and the workload obtained by subtracting the calculated difference from the average total workload can be set as a predetermined allowable amount.

[0199] This allows the work allocation device 201 to set an allowable amount that will equalize the amount of work among a plurality of staff members.

[0200] For these reasons, when it is difficult to allocate tasks taking into account the workload of a specific staff member due to constraints on the required skills, the work allocation device 201 can postpone the tasks that should be handled by that specific staff member (for example, until the following week), thereby realizing a schedule that prevents staff from being overworked.

[0201] The information processing system 200 is applied to, for example, a service that supports the scheduling of surgery, rehabilitation, etc. in a hospital. Also, the information processing system 200 is applied to, for example, a service that supports the scheduling of assembly work, processing work, etc. in a manufacturing factory.

[0202] The task allocation method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This task allocation program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or a USB memory, and is executed by the computer reading it from the recording medium. This task allocation program may also be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0203] In addition, the information processing device 101 (task allocation device 201) described in this embodiment can also be realized by application-specific ICs such as standard cells or structured ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs.

[0204] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0205] (Appendix 1) Based on the results of the allocation of tasks to the multiple targets to which the task group is to be assigned, a first target target person to be the target of workload adjustment is selected from the multiple targets, Identifying a first task group to be handled by the first target person among the task groups to be assigned based on skill information indicating the skills possessed by the selected first target person; if the total amount of work of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, by deleting at least one task from the first task group, a second task group is identified in which the one task has been deleted from the first task group; Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining targets other than the first target person. A task allocation method, the processing of which is executed by a computer.

[0206] (Note 2) When there is no target person other than the first target person who can handle the task deleted from the first task group, the computer executes a process of updating the task group to be assigned by excluding the deleted task from the task group to be assigned; The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the updated task groups other than the second task group to the remaining target people. 2. A task allocation method according to claim 1,

[0207] (Appendix 3) When outputting the allocation results for the task group to be allocated to the multiple target persons, output information prompting the deleted task to be allocated next or later. 3. The task allocation method according to claim 2, wherein processing is executed by the computer.

[0208] (Appendix 4) The process to be specified is: when the total workload of the first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, a task having a long working time is preferentially deleted from the first task group, thereby identifying a second task group from which the task has been deleted from the first task group; 4. A task allocation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0209] (Appendix 5) Each of the task groups to be assigned is a medical procedure, The process of specifying When the total workload of the first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, a task having a low medical fee point is preferentially deleted from the first task group, thereby identifying a second task group in which the task has been deleted from the first task group. 4. A task allocation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0210] (Appendix 6) Extract constraint conditions to be satisfied for the task group to be assigned based on the assignment results of the task group prior to the task group to be assigned and skill information indicating the skills possessed by each of the multiple subjects; The process is executed by the computer, The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining target people so as to satisfy the extracted constraint condition. 6. A task allocation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0211] (Appendix 7) Output the extracted constraint conditions, The computer executes a process of accepting a designation of a constraint condition to be applied to the allocation of the task group to be allocated, from among the output constraint conditions; The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining target people so as to satisfy the specified constraint condition. 7. A task allocation method according to claim 6,

[0212] (Note 8) The allocation result of a task prior to the task to be assigned is the allocation result of a task in a past allocation period having the same period length as the allocation period of the task to be assigned, Calculating a total workload of the first target person in the past and an average total workload of the first target person in the past based on the allocation results of the task groups prior to the task group to be allocated; Calculating a difference between the calculated average total workload and the calculated total workload of the first subject in the past; a workload obtained by subtracting the calculated difference from the average total workload is set as the allowable workload; 8. The task allocation method according to claim 1, wherein the processing is executed by the computer.

[0213] (Appendix 9) The selecting process is A task allocation method according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that the target person among the plurality of targets who has been assigned the greatest number of tasks or the greatest total working time is selected as the first target person.

[0214] (Appendix 10) For the task group to be assigned, output the assignment result to the multiple target persons. 10. The task allocation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein processing is executed by the computer.

[0215] (Appendix 11) Based on the results of the allocation of tasks to the multiple targets to which the task group is to be assigned, a first target person to be the target of workload adjustment is selected from the multiple targets, Identifying a first task group to be handled by the first target person among the task groups to be assigned based on skill information indicating the skills possessed by the selected first target person; if the total amount of work of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, by deleting at least one task from the first task group, a second task group is identified in which the one task has been deleted from the first task group; Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining targets other than the first target person. A task allocation program that causes a computer to execute a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 101 Information processing device 110 Tasks to be assigned 120 Past Scheduling Results 130 First Work Group 200 Information Processing Systems 201 Work allocation device 202 Client device 210 Network 220 Allocation result storage DB 230 Resource data storage DB 300 Bus 301 CPU 302 Memory 303 Disk Drive 304 Disk 305 Communication I / F 306 Portable Recording Media I / F 307 Portable recording media 600 Data to be allocated 700 Control section 701 Reception 702 Selection section 703 Specific part 704 Adjustment section 705 Allocation Section 706 Output section 1000 Variable Table 1100 Constraint selection screen 1110,1310 Gantt Chart 1111,1311 Calendar 1120,1320 Surgery Schedule List 1130 Constraint candidate list 1200 Allocation Results Table 1300 Allocation result screen 1330 Adjustment support information 1400 Allocation Results

Claims

1. selecting a first target person whose workload is to be adjusted from among the multiple targets based on the results of assignment of tasks to the multiple targets to which the task group is to be assigned, the tasks preceding the task group to be assigned; Identifying a first task group to be handled by the first target person among the task groups to be assigned based on skill information indicating the skills possessed by the selected first target person; when the total amount of work of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, by deleting at least one task from the first task group, a second task group is identified from the first task group by deleting the one task from the first task group; Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining targets other than the first target person. A task allocation method, the processing of which is executed by a computer.

2. When there is no target person other than the first target person who can handle the task deleted from the first task group, the computer executes a process of updating the task group to be assigned by excluding the deleted task from the task group to be assigned; The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the updated task groups other than the second task group to the remaining target people among the task groups to be allocated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the task allocation is performed in a plurality of steps.

3. When outputting the allocation results for the task group to be allocated to the plurality of target persons, output information prompting the user to allocate the deleted task to the next or subsequent allocations.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the processing is executed by the computer.

4. The process of specifying when the total workload of the first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, a task having a long working time is preferentially deleted from the first task group, thereby identifying a second task group from which the task has been deleted from the first task group; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the task allocation is performed in a plurality of steps.

5. Each of the task groups to be assigned is a medical procedure; The process of specifying When the total workload of the first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable workload, a task having a low medical fee point is preferentially deleted from the first task group, thereby identifying a second task group from which the task has been deleted from the first task group.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the task allocation is performed in a plurality of steps.

6. extracting constraint conditions to be satisfied for the task group to be assigned based on the assignment results of task groups prior to the task group to be assigned and skill information indicating the skills possessed by each of the plurality of subjects; The process is executed by the computer, The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining target people so as to satisfy the extracted constraint condition.

6. The task allocation method according to claim 1,

7. Outputting the extracted constraint conditions; The computer executes a process of accepting a designation of a constraint condition to be applied to the allocation of the task group to be allocated, from among the output constraint conditions; The process of performing the allocation includes: Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining target people so as to satisfy the specified constraint condition.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the task allocation is performed in a plurality of steps.

8. selecting a first target person whose workload is to be adjusted from among the multiple targets based on the results of assignment of tasks to the multiple targets to which the task group is to be assigned, the tasks preceding the task group to be assigned; Identifying a first task group to be handled by the first target person among the task groups to be assigned based on skill information indicating the skills possessed by the selected first target person; when the total amount of work of the identified first task group exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, by deleting at least one task from the first task group, a second task group is identified from the first task group by deleting the one task from the first task group; Fixing the allocation of the identified second task group to the first target person, and allocating the task groups other than the second task group among the task groups to be allocated to the remaining targets other than the first target person. A task allocation program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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