Wait-time reporting systems for elective surgery in Canada: a content analysis of provincial and territorial initiatives.

BACKGROUND

In Canada, a substantial barrier to the accessibility of surgical procedures is wait times. The objective of this study was to develop and describe an inventory of wait-time reporting systems for elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

Between June and August 2019, we searched all Canadian provincial and territorial ministry of health websites to identify the wait-time reporting systems in place. We conducted content analysis and used a qualitative descriptive approach to compare the variables of interest across the provinces and territories.

RESULTS

There were websites available for assessment in all 13 provinces and territories. Seven provinces have comprehensive, centralized wait-time reporting systems. The rest of the provinces have highly decentralized wait-time reporting, and the territories do not have wait-time reporting systems in place. There is substantial variation in the comprehensiveness, purpose, data sources and data collection methods among the wait-time reporting systems across the provinces and territories.

INTERPRETATION

Wait-time reporting for elective surgery in Canada is diverse, and it varies in comprehensiveness across the provinces and territories. The present findings can help direct future investigations of Canadian reporting systems, which would provide useful information for policy-makers and those interested in reducing wait times in Canada.