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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2005 | Research article

Do medical outpatients want 'out of hours' clinics?

Authors: Claire L Feeney, Nicola J Roberts, Martyn R Partridge

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2005

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.

Available only for authorised users

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Zaidi FH, Lee N: Public opinion favours out-of-hours clinics interviews challenge multi-centre questionnaire [electronic response to Churchill etal. Public opinion on weekend and evening outpatient clinics]. bjophthalmol.com. 2003, 16 April 2003

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/5/47/prepub

Title: Do medical outpatients want 'out of hours' clinics?
Authors: Claire L Feeney
Nicola J Roberts
Martyn R Partridge
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-5-47

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Springer Medicine

Do medical outpatients want 'out of hours' clinics?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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