Factors affecting the performance of public out-patient services.

Conclusion. Strategies to address the five core domains identified may provide a framework for sustainable improvement in the delivery of out-patient services.What is known about the topic? The provision of specialist out-patient services is an essential element of health service delivery. Access to specialist services in the public sector is challenging because of the escalating demand associated with an increasing and aging demographic. The factors that may affect the delivery of out-patient services need to be addressed for long-term sustainable improvement.What does this paper add? This paper provides a conceptual framework grounded in rigorous qualitative data analysis for understanding the internal and external factors that affect waiting times for specialist out-patient services. The results of this qualitative research indicate that there are five core domains that may influence waiting times in the public out-patient setting. When these domains are addressed at the strategic, tactical and operational levels, they have the potential to provide significant improvement in the delivery of out-patient services.What are the implications for practitioners? This paper guides the attention of relevant stakeholders towards the five core domains identified (culture, stakeholders, resources, demand and system reform) that influence the performance of waiting times at the operational, tactical and strategic levels within the public hospital setting. PMID: 30122158 [PubMed...
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research