Volume 23, Issue 3 (11-2024)
jhosp 2024, 23(3): 352-373 |
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Rasekhi S, Tabatabaei Far S S, Jafari A. A Review of Patient Waiting Time and Its Determinants in Emergency Departments in Iran. jhosp 2024; 23 (3) :352-373
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6712-en.html
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6712-en.html
1- Bachelor of Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
2- PhD Candidate of Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
3- Assistant Professor of Health Economics, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. ,abdosaleh.jafari@gmail.com
2- PhD Candidate of Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
3- Assistant Professor of Health Economics, Health Human Resources Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. ,
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background and purpose: This study aimed to review the average waiting time of patients referred to emergency departments in Iran and to identify the key factors influencing it.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, and Civilica using keywords such as "waiting time", "duration", "emergency", and related terms. After applying the inclusion criteria, 26 relevant studies were selected for analysis.
Results: Findings from this rapid review showed wide variations in reported waiting times. The average time from patient arrival to the first physician visit ranged from approximately 2 to 32 minutes. The time to the first medical intervention ranged from 3.7 to 262 minutes. The time from diagnostic test request to receiving results ranged from 20.17 to 629.2 minutes for laboratory tests, 5.85 to 1080 minutes for radiology, and 3.7 to 32.3 minutes for electrocardiograms. The most significant factors affecting patient waiting times included patient-related characteristics, reasons for referral, hospital and emergency department-related factors, and human resource availability and performance.
Conclusion: Patient waiting times in emergency departments are influenced by a range of interrelated factors. To reduce delays, it is recommended to improve triage systems, enhance human resource management, implement smart technologies, upgrade infrastructure, and increase public awareness through patient education.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, and Civilica using keywords such as "waiting time", "duration", "emergency", and related terms. After applying the inclusion criteria, 26 relevant studies were selected for analysis.
Results: Findings from this rapid review showed wide variations in reported waiting times. The average time from patient arrival to the first physician visit ranged from approximately 2 to 32 minutes. The time to the first medical intervention ranged from 3.7 to 262 minutes. The time from diagnostic test request to receiving results ranged from 20.17 to 629.2 minutes for laboratory tests, 5.85 to 1080 minutes for radiology, and 3.7 to 32.3 minutes for electrocardiograms. The most significant factors affecting patient waiting times included patient-related characteristics, reasons for referral, hospital and emergency department-related factors, and human resource availability and performance.
Conclusion: Patient waiting times in emergency departments are influenced by a range of interrelated factors. To reduce delays, it is recommended to improve triage systems, enhance human resource management, implement smart technologies, upgrade infrastructure, and increase public awareness through patient education.
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
سیاست گذاری ، برنامه ریزی و رهبری و مدیریت در بیمارستان
Received: 2024/12/14 | Accepted: 2025/03/18 | Published: 2025/03/30
Received: 2024/12/14 | Accepted: 2025/03/18 | Published: 2025/03/30
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