The EURO Working Group on Operational Research Applied to Health Services was formed in 1975 as part of a programme for developing special interest groups within the European branch, EURO of the International Federation of Operational research Societies, IFORS.

The group has at present more than 340 members from more than 30 countries, mainly in Europe but also from overseas (USA, Canada, Brazil, ...). Membership is open to persons with an interest in applying systematic, quantitative analysis to planning and management problems in the health area.

The group meets every year, each summer, for one week in a different European host country. See the meetings section.

Meetings are open to anyone with a quantitative background and an interest in the subject area, although numbers may be restricted to ensure that open debate is practicable. During the meetings, papers are presented and discussed, computer applications demonstrated and decisions regarding group affairs prepared and taken.

Associated with the meetings, study tours to local healthcare facilities are arranged with opportunities to discuss planning and management problems with local health services mangers. A well developed social programme gives good opportunities for informal discussions and friendly get-togethers with members and accompanying families.

Papers presented at the meetings cover a range of different projects, approaches and methods. Studies at strategic, operational and tactical levels have included the planning of health services systems, resource allocation, investment analysis, manpower planning, admission planning, staff scheduling, performance measurement, quality assurance and the use of information systems to improve decision support. The proceedings of the meetings are often produced as a publication.