Can a workload coding system be used to assess and monitor a plastic surgery waiting list?

Analysis of a waiting list based solely on the number of patients rather than the type and degree of difficulty can never give an accurate assessment of the work involved. It does not take account of the continued additions which occur from out patient clinic referrals. By applying an intermediate equivalent factor for loading to each case a better understanding and management of the waiting list can be obtained. There does not seem to be an exact relationship between the intermediate equivalent for any given case and the operating time.