Average patient wait time
What is average patient wait time?
Average patient wait time refers to the average length of time that patients wait at a healthcare facility before being seen by a physician. It can be displayed as the average wait time for the facility or broken down by department, offering greater insights into the admissions process.
Analyzing patient wait times can allow healthcare organizations to reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and ensure that all patients receive timely access to care.
Some things that may increase patient wait time include:
- Scheduling problems
- Waiting for equipment or rooms to become available
- Supplies and equipment stored far from their point of use
Addressing these areas can help facilities lower average patient wait time.
Why is it important to lower average patient wait time?
A higher wait time can significantly influence a patient’s satisfaction, as it can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. Some patients may even leave before seeing a physician or will tell others not to visit that practice if the wait times are too long.
Additionally, depending on the facility, extended wait times may lead to compromised health outcomes. For instance, in the emergency room, a long wait time can delay how soon a patient receives treatment, which can then influence how effective the treatment is. Sooner is almost always better in terms of care, and average patient wait time can be a crucial contributor to the success of hospital care delivery.