Abstract
Introduction: This study investigates whether the choose and book system satisfies the priorities of the local community and considers its implications for local elective primary lower limb arthroplasty.
Patients are offered a choice of 4 hospitals and time and date of outpatient appointment on referral from their GP practice. Research revealed that people want choice. Can popular centres still provide a service for the local population? What are the priorities of the local population when choosing a healthcare provider?
Method: A qualitative questionnaire was given to 100 people from the local community who were referred from their GP for a primary lower limb arthroplasty. This assessed patient’s opinions and priorities.
Results: 98% of patients wanted to choose their healthcare provider, 88% would not be content in any hospital other than their first choice
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94% would not change hospitals if offered a shorter waiting time
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78% would wait longer than the government targets to be treated in the hospital of their choice
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67% of patients did not want to be able to choose the time and date of their clinic appointment
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61% thought the clinical quality of an institution was more important than the waiting time.
Discussion: This study clearly indicates the local community want choice on referral for primary arthroplasty, but where they are operated is more important than when. The clinical quality of the provider is more important than the waiting time.
The government state patients want to choose the time and date of their first clinic appointment, however the majority of our population don’t.
The current ‘Choose and Book’ system does not fulfil patient’s priorities.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr John Hodgkinson, BHS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
