Study to develop a waiting list prioritization score for varicose vein surgery.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to develop a clear-cut, objective system for prioritization of patients on the waiting list for varicose vein surgery, to enable organization of access to the health service.

METHODS

During earlier phases, we selected which variables should be taken into account for the prioritization scale, such as clinical presentation, varicose vein size, complications, work situation, and influence on quality of life. In the last phase, to determine the relative weight of each variable, structured surveys (personal interviews or by e-mail) were performed of the convenience samples from the groups related to the healthcare process, including patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals.

RESULTS

The structured survey we utilized was administered to a sample of 762 subjects that included 290 patients, 99 relatives, 179 general practitioners, 32 nurses, and 162 vascular surgeons. The final score included clinical manifestations (46.1% of relative importance), size of the varicose veins (8.2%), complications (18.3%), influence on quality of life (18.2%), and aggravating work factors (9.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prioritization system agreed upon by all the groups involved could allow for objective and transparent prioritization and lead to the rationalization of access to varicose vein surgery for patients on the waiting list.