title: Patient choice systems and waiting times for scheduled services.
abstract: Access to scheduled healthcare is a continuing challenge. A synthesis of the international literature was conducted to examine the potential of patient choice systems to reduce waiting times in Canada. A multitude of factors appear to influence the actions and outcomes of patients, providers, and systems. For choice systems to be effective, there must be uptake, which requires incentives and supports. Choice should be considered as but one element of a comprehensive waiting time management strategy.
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. dllorenz@ucalgary.ca
authors: Diane L
authors: DL
authors: Lorenzetti
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Noseworthy
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002170:Canada; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D057240:Patient Preference; D014850:Waiting Lists