Scheduling an appointment for MRI: patient perception of wait time and difficulty

Wait times (WTs) for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are rising in many countries. Long WT delay diagnosis and treatment, and affect patient satisfaction. Little research has examined the patient experience of scheduling and waiting for an MRI. This study aimed to assess difficulty of scheduling an appointment for MRI from patients' perspectives; and to identify factors associated with longer WT and greater difficulty.

An online survey of patients' experience of scheduling an MRI was conducted in January-February 2023 among a representative sample of 557 Israeli adults. All participants had undergone an MRI in the public health system within the past year.

Median WT was 1-2 months and did not differ significantly by demographic variables or exam type. 28% considered the WT unreasonable. WTs ≥ 1 month were reported by two thirds of respondents; longer WT were reported for respondents who tried to get an earlier appointment compared to those who did not (p < 0.001). WT for radiology report was significantly related to shift (shorter WT for morning MRI exams, p = 0.045), sex (men reported shorter WT, p = 0.042) and age (over 55s reported shortest WT, p = 0.006). In a stepwise logistic regression modeling the probability of finding the process difficult, significant factors included time between referral and calling to schedule, tried multiple sites, tried to get an earlier appointment, WT for report, and overall reasonableness of WT.

Many patients experienced some difficulty scheduling an MRI, particularly when calling multiple sites, since there is no centralized point of contact. HMO agreements can also lengthen the wait. Alongside objective metrics documented by service providers, it is important to consider patients' perspectives in scheduling imaging. While efforts have been made in recent years to tackle MRI WT, adding scanners and personnel, the majority of patients wait at least a month, and the process of scheduling and waiting for an appointment can be challenging. Policy changes, including greater transparency of WTs in different institutions, and a centralized booking center for MRI, could be considered to streamline the appointment process and reduce the challenges patients face.