Waiting time in relation to wait-list size at registration: statistical analysis of a waiting-list registry.(Original Research)

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between the length of a waiting list for elective vascular surgery and the delay before undergoing the operation. Methods: We undertook a prospective cohort study of patients registered on the waiting list for elective vascular surgery at an acute care hospital in Ontario. Regression analysis of wait times to express the admission rate in one group relative to another, with the ratio of rates being a measure of the difference between groups. Results: List length at registration was associated with length of wait (log-rank test 596.4, p

Resume

Objectif : Etudier le lien entre la longueur des listes d'attente pour une chirurgie vasculaire elective et le temps ecoule avant de subir l'intervention. Methodes : Nous avons entrepris une etude prospective de cohortes de patients inscrits sur la liste d'attente pour une chirurgie vasculaire elective a un hopital de soins actifs de l'Ontario. Nous avons procede a une analyse de regression des temps d'attente afin d'exprimer le taux d'admission dans un groupe par rapport a un autre, le ratio des taux constituant une mesure de la difference entre les groupes. Resultats : On a etabli un lien entre la longueur de la liste d'attente au moment de l'inscription et la duree de l'attente (test de Mantel-Haenzel 596,4, p

**********

In the analysis of hospital wait lists, it is useful to obtain the probability distribution of waiting times so that the proportion of listed patients undergoing treatment within a certain period can be compared between caregivers, calendar years or management practices. (1,2) Several studies have reported on wait-time distributions according to procedure, urgency, practice, period and other factors. (3-8)

The length of a surgical wait list is a common surrogate of the expected wait for hospital admission. (9) Indeed, if there are patients on the list, then for a patient who just arrived to be admitted within a certain period all current patients must be served. However, little is known on how list length at registration affects waiting times for elective surgical procedures. Without this information, it is difficult to obtain accurate estimates of how much service capacity is required to maintain short waits for surgery. (10)