Do medical outpatients want 'out of hours' clinics?

Feeney, Claire; Roberts, Nicola Jane; Partridge, Martyn R.

Abstract

Background
Patient choice is a major theme in current healthcare delivery. Little is known about patients' wishes regarding the timing of medical outpatient clinics.

Methods
A questionnaire survey of 300 sequential patients attending cardiac and respiratory clinics to determine patients preferences for out of hours and weekend outpatient clinics. (Out of hours defined as a clinic after 5 pm on Mon – Fri)

Results
Two hundred and 64 patients completed the survey of which 165 (62.5%) wanted either an out of hours clinics or a weekend clinic. Sixty four (38.8%) specifically stated that this was because of work commitments but for many others, the reasons given were easy to justify.

Conclusion
Current provision for outpatient consultation may not be convenient for many patients with heart and lung disease. A fuller evaluation of the cost and benefits of more flexible clinic hours is now needed.

Citation

Feeney, C., Roberts, N. J., & Partridge, M. R. (2005). Do medical outpatients want 'out of hours' clinics?. BMC Health Services Research, 5, Article 47. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-5-47

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 24, 2005
• Online Publication Date: Jun 24, 2005
• Publication Date: 2005
• Deposit Date: Jul 14, 2023
• Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
• Publisher: BMC
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Article Number: 47
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-5-47
• Keywords: National Health Service, Outpatient Consultation, Medical Outpatient, Sleep Related Breathing Disorder, Saturday Morning