Effects of waiting time
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of waiting times on quality of life, leisure activities and support needs in patients awaiting elective surgery in Scotland
IRAS ID
309164
Contact name
Craig Ramsay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Elective surgery often requires patients to wait, since often more people need these surgeries than can be supplied in public health care systems (Ballini et al., 2015, Siciliani & Hurst, 2005). There is mixed evidence on the effects waiting times can have on patients’ quality of life, leisure activities, social life and support needs.
In collaboration with NHS Grampian, the current study aims to investigate the possible effects prolonged waiting for elective surgery may have. The aim is to collect data over time via online surveys, and complement this data with individual participant interviews with patients waiting with a range of conditions. Doing this will help to show if there are changes in people's lifestyles and support needs over time, and if so, what these changes are. These results can support NHS Grampian in successfully managing their waiting lists for elective surgery.
References:
Ballini, L., Negro, A., Maltoni, S., Vignatelli, L., Flodgren, G., Simera, I., Holmes, J. & Grilli, R. (2015). Interventions to reduce waiting times for elective procedures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD005610. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005610.pub2.Siciliani, L. & Hurst, J. (2005). Tackling excessive waiting times for elective surgery: A comparative analysis of policies in 12 OECD countries. Health Policies, 72, 201-215.
Summary of Results
This study looked at how people’s quality of life, leisure and social experiences, and support needs are affected while waiting for elective surgery in NHS Grampian.Over eight months, participants completed regular surveys to track changes in quality of life, mental health, and daily activities. Some also took part in interviews to share their experiences. Overall, the study found that people waiting for surgery had a lower quality of life than the general population, and this did not appear to change much over time. Some gave up hobbies due to symptoms and were unable to find suitable alternatives. There was a small increase in anxiety over time, but also a slight improvement in how people managed emotional difficulties in daily life.
However, when looking at individual responses rather than overall averages, a more complex picture emerged. While average scores showed little change, individual participants had very different experiences. Some people’s quality of life worsened significantly, while others improved. These opposing changes cancelled each other out in the overall results, making it seem as though nothing had changed. This shows that the impact of waiting is highly individual and can vary greatly.
In interviews, many described feeling "in limbo": unable to plan their lives or know when recovery would begin. People often felt anxious about whether they were still on the waiting list and found hospital communication unclear. Some felt left to manage their condition alone while juggling work or family. Yet many also showed understanding of NHS pressures and sympathy for staff.
In short, waiting for surgery brings challenges beyond physical symptoms. Clear and regular hospital communication could help reduce stress and make the waiting period more manageable. Even small updates may help people feel more supported and informed.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
22/NS/0144
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion