Requests are predefined availability parameters entered into Mesh AI prior to the generation of a roster. These data points inform both the administrator and the Mesh Autoscheduler of specific constraints to ensure optimal coverage and clinician satisfaction. Requests are initiated by members—or by administrators on their behalf—and typically follow a formal approval workflow.
The system utilizes five standard request types to manage clinical obligations and equity:
Binding Constraints (Requires Approval)
Vacation: The member is strictly unavailable for shifts during this period. To maintain fairness, vacation time is pro-rated within shift-equalization algorithms, ensuring the clinician is not penalized with a higher shift volume elsewhere in the schedule.
Cannot Work: A mandatory "no-shift" constraint for the specified period. Unlike vacation, the system will prioritize assigning shifts during other periods to satisfy total equalization requirements.
Must Work: A mandatory requirement where the member must receive at least one shift during the specified timeframe.
Scheduling Preferences (Approval Not Required)
For example:
Prefer Not to Work: A soft constraint where the system should avoid shift assignments in this period if coverage allows.
Prefer to Work: A soft preference indicating the member would like to receive at least one shift in this period if possible.
Customizable Clinical Request Categories
Mesh AI supports fully customized request types tailored to your department's specific operational requirements. Beyond the standard options, you can define categories that reflect the unique workflows of your clinical environment.
Operational Flexibility
Administrators can create bespoke request types to track and manage diverse time-off or "must-work" scenarios, such as:
CME / Conference Time: Dedicated blocks for professional development and medical congresses.
Post-Call Protected Time: Mandatory rest periods following overnight or 24-hour shifts.
Academic / Research Blocks: Non-clinical time reserved for teaching, faculty meetings, or scholarly activity.
Sick Leave or Occupational Health: Tracking health-related absences or mandatory isolation periods.
Visual Differentiation
To enhance the scannability of the team roster, all request types can be color-coded (availability depending on your specific plan). This allows for immediate visual identification of various availability constraints on both the team and personal calendars.
