Pilot Study for a Model for the Collection of Waiting Lists Data

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Informatics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Current Italian healthcare waiting list analysis is hampered by the National Plan for the Governance of Waiting Lists (PNGLA).
• The PNGLA lacks standardized data characteristics, leading to incomplete, unreadable, or aggregate regional data unsuitable for meaningful analysis.
• This data deficiency impedes effective monitoring and strategic decision-making for healthcare resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a methodological model for collecting standardized waiting list data.
• To assess the effectiveness and replicability of the proposed data collection model.
• To enhance the analytical value of waiting list data for improved healthcare governance.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study was conducted by Fondazione the Bridge and AGENAS, in collaboration with the University of Genoa and the University of Pavia.
• The study focused on implementing and testing a novel methodological model for collecting detailed waiting list information.
• Data collected through the model were assessed for completeness, readability, and analytical utility.

Main Results:

• The pilot study demonstrated that the proposed methodological model is effective in collecting usable waiting list data.
• The model proved to be replicable across different regional healthcare systems.
• The standardized data facilitated a more valuable and in-depth analysis of waiting list dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodological model addresses the limitations of the current PNGLA by providing a standardized approach to data collection.
• Implementation of this model can significantly improve the quality and analytical potential of waiting list data in Italy.
• This enhanced data analysis capability supports better healthcare planning and patient management.