Reducing geriatric outpatient waiting times: Impact of an advanced health practitioner

Robyn L Saxon; Marion Gray; Florin I Oprescu

doi:10.1111/ajag.12459

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Reducing geriatric outpatient waiting times: Impact of an advanced health practitioner

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Reducing geriatric outpatient waiting times: Impact of an advanced health practitioner

Robyn L Saxon, Marion Gray and Florin I Oprescu

Australasian Journal on Ageing, Vol.37(1), pp.48-53

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12459

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

allied health personnel

health services for the aged

health services needs and demand

waiting lists

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Objective: To investigate the impact on patient waiting times of a role substitution model introducing an advanced allied health practitioner as the first point of contact within a geriatric outpatient context. Methods: A pre- to postintervention design was used to determine impact over a five-year period (2008-2012). All patients referred to the geriatric specialist outpatient department were included (n = 1514). Data relating to waiting times were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests to determine effects on patient waiting times. Results: Waiting times were reduced from an average of 82 to as low as 35 days, in a context of increasing referral rates. Medical specialist capacity was increased through improvements to available outpatient times and reduced appointment lengths. Patients seen within their designated triage category timeframe increased from 47 to 86%. Conclusion: Health professional substitution in geriatrics can be an effective intervention for reducing patient waiting times and improving access to care.

Details

Title: Reducing geriatric outpatient waiting times: Impact of an advanced health practitioner
Authors: Robyn L Saxon (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Marion Gray (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Florin I Oprescu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Australasian Journal on Ageing, Vol.37(1), pp.48-53
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12459
ISSN: 1440-6381
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451287302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Geriatrics & Gerontology; Gerontology

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