Models for hospital patient flow

Models for hospital patient flow: Decision-making in a challenging environment

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

18 July 2022

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

A PhD student involved in this project will be part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, computer scientists and mathematicians, working together on a range of stochastic models for patient flow and algorithms for the optimal patient care journey. This project aims to develop a better understanding of the practicalities of the real issues facing the managers of healthcare systems, which will lead to improved models and algorithms for patient flow. We anticipate practical outcomes in the form of better understanding of policies and rules of thumb that could be applied to improve the bed block and ambulance ramping issues at the regional hospitals. We will collaborate with the Tasmanian Department of Health and hospitals in Tasmania on this applications-driven project.

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Małgorzata O'Reilly

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $28,854 per annum (2022 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
  • Applications are open to applicants from Mathematics or related discipline background only.

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Strong research and analytical skills in mathematics
  • Knowledge and skills in applied probability, operations research, and statistics

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Knowledge and skills in developing algorithms, simulations and coding

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, A/Prof Małgorzata O'Reilly to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.

Following the application closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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