RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Development of pediatric wait time access targets
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 107
OP 110
DO 10.1503/cjs.048409
VO 54
IS 2
A1 James G. Wright
A1 Kayi Li
A1 Cathy Seguin
A1 Marilyn Booth
A1 Peter Fitzgerald
A1 Sarah Jones
A1 Kellie K. Leitch
A1 Baxter Willis
YR 2011
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/54/2/107.abstract
AB Background: The effective management of wait times is a top priority for Canadians. Attention to date has largely focused on wait times for adult surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop surgical wait time access targets for children.Methods: Using nominal group techniques, expert panels reached consensus on prioritization levels for 574 diagnoses in 10 surgical disciplines for wait 1 (W1; time from primary care visit to surgical consultation) and wait 2 (W2; time from decision to operate to receipt of surgery).Results: A 7-stage priority classification reflects the permissible timeframe for children to receive consultation (W1) or surgery (W2). Access targets by priority were linked to 574 diagnoses in 10 pediatric surgical subspecialties.Conclusion: The pediatric surgical wait time access targets are a standardized, comprehensive and consensus-based model that can be systematically applied to children’s hospitals across Canada. Future research and evaluation on outcomes from this model will evaluate improved access to pediatric surgical care.