Waiting Time and Associated Factors Among Outpatients at Kibungo Referral Hospital-Rwanda

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patient waiting time is defined as the total amount of time spent within the healthcare facility outside of provider service or contact time. This has been evidenced in most healthcare facilities and becomes problematic if it exceeds thirty minutes. Most studies have shown that patients wait for two to four hours, resulting in their dissatisfaction and non-adherence to treatment plans. This study aimed to assess the waiting time and associated factors among outpatients at Kibungo Referral Hospital. METHOD: The quantitative research approach with the descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted for the outpatients received in September 2020 and 400 patients were considered. Convenience sampling technique and structured questionnaire were used for data collection. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Ethical principles were respected throughout the study. RESULTS: The median outpatient waiting time was 4hours. Female patients were 48% less likely to wait for a long time than men (AOR: 0.523, 95% CI: 0.294-0.931). However, patients who visited specialty units were 4 times more likely to wait for a longer time than those who visited allied health services (AOR: 4:246, CI: 1.463-12.316). In addition, patients who underwent paraclinical investigations were 18 times more likely to wait for a long time than others (AOR: 17.506, CI: 2.349-130.445). CONCLUSION: The median outpatient waiting time is long and the insufficient staffing, especially in specialty units and the laboratory, was evidenced to contribute to the long waiting time. Therefore, Kibungo Referral Hospital is recommended to increase staff in specialty units and paraclinical investigation departments.

Keywords

• patient waiting time
• associated factors
• referral hospital
• outpatient
• rwanda