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Waiting times for surgical procedures
C DeCoster1, K C Carriere, S Peterson
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Medical Care
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Public perception of increased surgical wait times in Canada is not supported by data. A Manitoba study found that median wait times for most surgeries remained stable or decreased over five years.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Surgical Outcomes Analysis
Background:
- Public opinion suggests a significant increase in surgical wait times across Canada.
- A discrepancy exists between public perception and objective data regarding surgical wait times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity of public perceptions regarding increasing surgical wait times in Manitoba.
- To analyze trends in surgical wait times using administrative data over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of administrative data for 10 diverse surgical procedures in Manitoba.
- Tracking median waiting times over a 5-year period, commencing from the initial surgeon consultation.
Main Results:
- Median wait times for the majority of studied surgical procedures remained stable or slightly decreased.
- Contrary to public belief, wait times did not show a significant increase during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The study challenges the widespread perception of escalating surgical wait times in Manitoba.
- Analysis of cataract surgery wait times suggests that dual public and private practice may negatively impact public service delivery.