One of the Government priorities is reducing waiting times for patients who are accepted for elective assessment and treatment. At the request of the Director-General of Health, this high level review was undertaken by a sector-based panel. Their role was to determine if there were any unintended consequences for patient care in the pursuit of electives waiting time goals.
Key Results
Recommendations- Develop a nationally consistent framework of quality and patient outcome measures specific to elective waiting times, including the outcomes for those patients not accepted for a First Specialist Assessment or treatment. The information reported under this framework should be used to inform decisions around the implementation of the four-month maximum waiting time target. This framework should be developed by the MOH in conjunction with DHBs and the HQSC
- Full utilization and enhancement of nationally consistent prioritization tools for treatment, and the development of prioritization tools for First Specialist Assessment
- Implementation of nationally consistent referral guidelines for First Specialist Assessment
- DHBs continue to support clinical / management partnerships in managing elective waiting time processes. Clinical engagement and leadership in this process is critical. The release of the engagement/communication document developed by Chief Operating Officers is encouraged
- Increase the dissemination of successful scheduling and capacity management processes and tools, and management practices. Consideration should be given to creating opportunities for schedulers and elective services managers to undertake professional development specific to their roles.
- Facilitation of informal networking / peer support opportunities for Heads of Department