Tiempos de espera aceptables y repercusiones de la espera desde la perspectiva de los pacientes

Abstract

Objectives To determine the maximum waiting time acceptable to patients for surgical procedures and outpatient consultations in the Health Service of Navarre (Spain) and to determine the effects of waiting on patients. Material and method We performed a telephone survey of 2,400 patients attending outpatient consultations and 1,131 patients who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2000. A specific questionnaire on waiting lists was designed. A total of 1,526 patients making a first visit in 2005 were surveyed. Results The maximum acceptable waiting time was 1 month for 80% of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment and for 74% of those waiting for surgery. Six percent of surgical patients and 4.4% of outpatients had to request that the waiting time be speeded up. Thirteen percent of outpatients and 17.4% of surgical patients reported the need to consult other health professionals. Twelve percent of outpatients and 8% of surgical patients required extra help from carers. Both outpatients (34.2%) and surgical patients (32.2%) perceived some type of worsening (limitation of daily life activities: 29.9% of outpatients and 41.8% of surgical patients) and some degree of preoccupation or anxiety during the waiting period (67.3% of outpatients and 82.9% of surgical patients). Conclusions For most patients, the maximum acceptable waiting time was 1 month. Delays generated repercussions in the settings analyzed.