Citation for the Goodeve Medal 2025
Here’s something we prepared earlier: Development, use and reuse of a configurable, inter-disciplinary approach for tackling overcrowding in NHS hospitals
Journal of the Operational Research Society, 75 (4), 1840-1859
https://doi.org/10.1080/01605682.2023.2199094
Each year the OR Society awards a prize to the best paper published the previous year in the main journal, The Journal of the Operational Research Society. This year it has been awarded to
“Here’s something we prepared earlier: Development, use and reuse of a configurable, inter-disciplinary approach for tackling overcrowding in NHS hospitals”, authored by Sonya Crowe; Luca Grieco; Tom Monks; Brad Keogh; Marion Penn; Mike Clancy; Samer Elkhodair; Cecilia Vindrola-Padros; Naomi J. Fulop; and Martin Utley.
This paper makes an exceptional contribution to tackling the problem of overcrowding in NHS hospital emergency departments. It combines quantitative methods (queueing theory, stochastic processes, simulation modelling) with qualitative insights (semi-structured interviews) to deliver a robust, multi-dimensional analysis. The authors present a configurable and reusable framework that moves beyond bespoke solutions, offering a systematic way to identify congestion drivers and evaluate interventions efficiently. The primary case study is developed by an interdisciplinary team embedded in an NHS teaching hospital. The key findings identify feasible interventions, some of which are already implemented. The paper reports the reuse of the framework in three other hospitals, referred to as secondary cases, and discusses the key findings and challenges of each secondary case. This provides a valuable road map for future cases. The paper is recognised for its exemplary methodological innovation, interdisciplinary relevance, clarity and practical impact, serving as a model of research that advances the literature while delivering clear real-world benefits.