An appraisal of waiting list problems

Abstract

The identification of problem waiting lists is important in effectively targeting scarce resources. This paper discusses the data available on waiting lists, and develops an information profile which can be used as a screening device to construct a short list of the 'worst' waiting lists. This profile was tested using the waiting experience of one specialty in the Northern region, and the results are presented here. Further developments to the profile are largely dependent upon improvements to the information currently collected on waiting lists.