Patients' Perspectives on Wait Times and the Referral-Consultation Process While Attending a Tertiary Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre: Is Econsultation an Acceptable Option?

Canadian Journal of Diabetes
Erin KeelyClare Liddy

Abstract

The goal of this study was to establish patients' perspectives on the acceptability of wait times, the impact of wait times on their health and the possibility of using electronic consultations (eConsultations) to avoid visits to specialists. A 2-stage patient survey (self-administered and with a follow-up telephone call) and a chart audit was conducted on a sequential sample of patients attending their initial consultations in a tertiary diabetes and endocrinology centre. Patients' perspectives on actual and ideal wait times, the impact of waiting for access, the effectiveness of the referral-consultation process and attitudes toward eConsultations as an alternative to traditional referral-consultations were collected. The study involved 101 patients (22% for diabetes, 78% for endocrinologic conditions), whose comments were collated and categorized. Of the 101 patients who completed the survey, 61 also completed telephone interviews. The average wait time was 19 weeks; the median 10 weeks. More than 30% of patients waited longer than 6 months and 6% waited longer than 1 year. Overall, 90% of patients thought that the maximum wait time should be less than 3 months. While waiting, 58% of patients worried about a serious undiagno...Continue Reading

References

May 3, 2003·The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·Robert A RizzaPaul F Hogan
Aug 29, 2013·Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the Official Journal of the American Telemedicine Association·Erin KeelyAmir Afkham
Nov 28, 2013·Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·Lorraine M ElitHsien-Yeang Seow

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Citations

Apr 5, 2016·Pain Medicine : the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine·Clare LiddyErin Keely
Oct 13, 2016·Endocrine Practice : Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists·Christopher S TranErin J Keely
Apr 24, 2016·Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare·Adam FogelErin Keely
Jun 7, 2017·International Journal of Dermatology·Ashley O'TooleErin Keely
Feb 23, 2020·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Rhea VermaKristin N Ray
Oct 26, 2018·BMC Health Services Research·Delphine S TuotAlice Hm Chen
Jul 2, 2021·Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology·Nicole PunErin Keely
Jul 9, 2021·Endocrine Practice : Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists·Rifka C Schulman-RosenbaumRobert A Silverman

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