REFERRAL WAIT TIME AND ILLNESS SEVERITY OF PATIENTS WITH NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES REFERRED TO SPECIALIST CLINICS OF A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA.

Abstract

Background: Wait times for healthcare specialists are inevitable due to demand-supply imbalances. However, tailoring wait times to individual patient needs based on illness severity is crucial for equitable care. The relationship between illness severity and referral wait times therefore has significant consequences for patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. Objective: This study assessed the relationship between illness severity and referral wait times among patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) referred to selected specialist clinics in a tertiary healthcare centre in South-West Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 310 adult patients with NCDs referred from the General Outpatient (GOP) clinic of the Department of Family Medicine to the Medical, Surgical and Psychiatry specialty outpatient clinics was conducted. Illness severity was assessed using the Duke Severity of Illness (DUSOI)/WONCA Checklist, and wait times were obtained through followup phone calls. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28. Results: The median wait time was 27 days, and about half of the patients had intermediate illness severity levels. The relationship between illness severity and wait times was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Referral wait times were not significantly associated with patients' illness severities. This highlights the need for a critical review of referral and triage practices with a multi-pronged approach to improve wait time experiences for patients.