5 Ways To Improve Patient Wait Times

According to a recent report published by Software Advice, patients are increasingly using online physician reviews to acquire information about wait times before scheduling an appointment. Software Advice surveyed more than 5,000 U.S. patients to determine how wait times affect a patient’s view of a particular physician or practice. Throughout the survey, it became evident that decreasing a patient’s wait time is essential; with more than 40 percent of those surveyed stating they would be willing to see a different physician (in the same practice) to reduce their wait time.

Other key findings include that 80 percent of those surveyed said that knowing their wait time reduced their frustration level; furthermore, 70 percent of the individuals surveyed stated that a personal apology from
When Patients Have Nothing Else to do, They Watch the Clock; and, a Watched Clock Never Ticks – Offer Entertainment

David Maister’s paper titled, “The Psychology of Waiting Lines” offers insight into how patients feel as they wait in a typical, uneventful waiting area. When we are doing nothing, time seems to move slower than it does when we are busy. William James is a noted psychiatrist and philosopher who states “boredom results from being attentive to the passage of time itself.”
Free Wi-Fi

The majority of waiting rooms are full of current newspapers, magazines and other materials to read; however, consider offering patients a complimentary Wi-Fi service as well. This allows them to use their electronic devices as they wait. Software Advice’s report indicates that 60 percent of those surveyed felt that having access to such a service would minimize their frustration in the waiting room.
Small Tables

Consider placing a couple small tables in the waiting room. This gives patients a place to fill out paperwork or work on their laptops. This also gives children the ability to do their homework while they wait.
Tablets for Patients to