Being seen within 48 hours – what do patients think?

Abstract

A questionnaire survey of 1000 patients was carried out to determine the proportion of patients attending a large genitourinary medicine department in Newcastle upon Tyne who wish to be seen within 48 hours. The Department of Health target for patients offered an appointment within 48 hours is 100%. Its target for the proportion of patients seen within 48 hours is 95%. Patients were surveyed to ascertain their preference about waiting times for appointments within the clinic. In total, only 33% stated that they wished always to be seen within the government's target of 48 hours.

Acceptance of genitourinary medicine clinic appointments within 48 hours is influenced by patient perception of risk but not by symptoms

“…Our data therefore support the Department of Health emphasis on patient choice 9,10 and echo the previous findings that patients wish to be able to choose an appointment that suits them and are happy with this, even if it is more than 48 hours from booking. 5,8 There are understandable reasons why patients do not accept appointment at sexual health clinics within 48 hours of contact with the service. Work commitments are the primary reasons stated by patients for declining an earlier appointment, both in ours and other studies.…”

“…Our data therefore support the Department of Health emphasis on patient choice 9,10 and echo the previous findings that patients wish to be able to choose an appointment that suits them and are happy with this, even if it is more than 48 hours from booking. 5,8…”

“…2 Furthermore, Strategic Health Authorities were asked to plan for 95% of patients to actually be seen within 48 hours; 3 however, this target has been controversial with some centres reporting that this is not always necessary, or indeed desired, by patients. 4,5 Several previous studies have addressed the potential reasons why patients decline an appointment to attend services within 48 hours. 4,6 -8 Common themes that have emerged include lifestyle factors such as work or family commitments 6,7 and therefore the desire to attend clinics at certain times including those at evenings or weekends.…”

“…2 Furthermore, Strategic Health Authorities were asked to plan for 95% of patients to actually be seen within 48 hours; 3 however, this target has been controversial with some centres reporting that this is not always necessary, or indeed desired, by patients. 4,5…”

Smarter imaging management: operations management for radiology

“…This is surprising, especially since these facilities are scarce, and often struggle with high access times to appointments. A second reason for focusing on radiology is that although patients' views on access systems have been studied, as far as we know this has not been done for radiology facilities [252][253][254][255][256] . Apart from the patients' wishes concerning walk-in facilities, expected patient behavior is also relevant to hospital managers who are considering walk-in systems for their facilities.…”