Factors influencing consultation time and waiting time of ambulatory patients in a tertiary teaching hospital

Hwang, Jee-In

Journal of Korean Society Quality Assurance Health Care 2006;12(1): 6.
Published online May 30, 2006.

일개 종합병원 외래환자의 진료시간 및 진료대기시간 영향요인 분석

황지인

경희대학교 간호과학대학

Factors influencing consultation time and waiting time of ambulatory patients in a tertiary teaching hospital

Jee-In Hwang

College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics influencing consultation and waiting time in ambulatory patients.
Methods
This study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Subjects were a total of 10,383 ambulatory patients. Consultation time was measured by time spent for meeting with his/her physician per patient. Waiting time was defined as the time difference between each patient's reserved time and time to meet with his/her physician for ambulatory care. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the factors influencing consultation and waiting time.
Results
Consultation time was different according to patient' age, previous experience of clinic visit, recent admission history, medical department, specialist care, type of reservation, and day of the week. Significant factors influencing waiting time were patient' age, residential area, previous experience of clinic visit, recent admission history, medical department, specialist care, time spent after ambulatory care begins, and day of the week. Conclusions : The medical department was the strongest factor affecting both consultation time and waiting time. The ambulatory reservation management systems should take into account patient characteristics as well as care-related features.

Key words Ambulatory care;Consultations;Waiting Lists;Outpatient Clinics;Hospital;