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The demand for evening ENT out-patient appointments
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK. andrew.murray@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|February 14, 2004
Summary
Despite patient interest, a study found minimal demand for evening Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinics. Most patients prefer standard daytime appointments, indicating low uptake for extended hours.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Patient Experience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- National Health Service (NHS) plans emphasize increasing patient choice.
- This includes exploring extended clinic hours (evenings/weekends) for outpatient services.
- Previous surveys suggest general satisfaction with 9 am-5 pm appointments, but some younger, employed patients desire evening options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify patient demand for evening Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) outpatient clinics.
- To identify and target the specific patient demographic most likely to utilize evening appointments.
- To assess the feasibility of offering extended hours for ENT services.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 450 ENT outpatients regarding appointment time preferences.
- Targeted follow-up offers for evening appointments to interested patient segments.
- Analysis of appointment change requests from daytime to evening slots.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25% of surveyed outpatients expressed a preference for evening appointments.
- Upon formal offer, only 1% of these targeted patients actively switched to an evening slot.
- Actual uptake of evening appointments was negligible.
Conclusions:
- Despite stated preferences, actual demand for evening ENT outpatient clinics among NHS patients is very low.
- Current patient demand does not support the widespread implementation of evening ENT clinics.
- Focusing on standard daytime hours remains the most effective approach for ENT outpatient services.