Waiting Time as an Indicator for Health Services Under Strain: A Narrative Review

Abstract

As pressure increases on public health systems globally, a potential consequence is that this is transferred to patients in the form of longer waiting times to receive care. In this review, we overview what waiting for health care encompasses, its measurement, and the data available in terms of trends and comparability. We also discuss whether waiting time is equally distributed according to socioeconomic status. Finally, we discuss the policy implications and potential approaches to addressing the burden of waiting time. Waiting time for elective surgery and emergency department care is the best described type of waiting time, and it either increases or remains unchanged across multiple developed countries. There are many challenges in drawing direct comparisons internationally, as definitions for these types of waiting times vary. There are less data on waiting time from other settings, but existing data suggest waiting time presents a significant barrier to health care access for a range of health services. There is also evidence that waiting time is unequally distributed to those of lower socioeconomic status, although this may be improving in some countries. Further work to better clarify definitions, identify driving factors, and understand hidden waiting times and identify opportunities for reducing waiting time or better using waiting time could improve health outcomes of our health services.

The psychological burden of waiting for procedures and patient‐centred strategies that could support the mental health of wait‐listed patients and caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review

“…Similarly, research on psychological distress in response to the current pandemic focussed on the general public's response to COVID‐19 or mental health problems faced by health‐care workers 77,78 . Other reviews of literature on wait lists synthesized and reported wait times for emergent care and elective surgery, assessed the validity of instruments used to measure quality of life among wait‐listed patients or evaluated strategies to reduce anxiety among patients in waiting rooms directly before undergoing procedures 79‐81 . In contracts, we synthesized research on the mental health impact of waiting for procedures, and on strategies to support mental health among wait‐listed patients and caregivers.…”

Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in Rural Versus Metropolitan Settings: An Australian Experience

“…An outpatient review within 30-days of discharge has been shown to have an 81% reduction in risk of 30-day mortality [14]. Across many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, specialist clinic waiting times are long and are increasing, although there is some evidence to suggest the increase has flattened in recent years [20]. In January to March 2021, the median wait time in Victoria, Australia for an urgent appointment was 17 days, whilst the wait for a routine appointment was 48 days [21].…”

While you’re waiting, a waiting room-based, cardiovascular disease-focused educational program: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…16 This time burden is growing, poorly used and is cumulative for patients with chronic health conditions that frequently attend healthcare appointments. 17 Yet, this time also presents an opportunity to deliver health education to patients at risk of CVD with little to no time cost for clinicians or patients. Historically, the clinic waiting room has been used to distribute health education and prevention material with little strategic approach.…”