Trainees Associated with Improved Wait Times and Patient Satisfaction in a Multidisciplinary Clinic

Objective: To determine variables associated with longer wait times and decreased patient satisfaction. To determine the association of trainees with clinic wait times and patient satisfaction scores in an academic center.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: We recruited 266 study participants from an interdisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer outpatient clinic setting. Trained observers recorded observations related to wait times, time with individual health care practitioners, and total time spent in clinic. An 11-question survey was given to patients at the end of their visit assessing each patient's satisfaction with their visit, subjective wait time, and their likelihood to recommend the health care provider.Results: Increased objective wait times were associated with new patients (p = 0.006) and based on the physician they saw (p < 0.001). Patients who saw a trainee spent less time waiting to see a physician (p = 0.023), more total time with a physician (p = 0.001), and reported higher wait time satisfaction scores (p = 0.001). There was no difference in total visit time if patients saw a trainee (p = 0.42). Patient satisfaction with wait time was correlated with all other aspects of patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the subjective wait time was associated with the likelihood to recommend (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Prolonged objective wait times in a multidisciplinary oncology outpatient setting were associated with several factors including specific physicians and new patient status. Trainee interaction with patients led to shorter wait times and improved patient satisfaction scores with wait times. Satisfaction with wait time was positively correlated with all aspects of patient satisfaction and 'likelihood to recommend' scores.