Mapping evidence on the factors contributing to long waiting times and interventions to reduce waiting times within primary health care facilities in South Africa: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Globally, reduction of patient waiting time has been identified as one of the major characteristics of a functional health system. In South Africa, 83% of the general population visiting primary healthcare (PHC) facilities must contend with long waiting times, overcrowding, staff shortages, poor quality of care, an ineffective appointment booking system, and a lack of medication. These experiences may, in turn, affect how patients view service quality.

Methods

This scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. The primary literature search of peer-reviewed and review articles was achieved through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and World Health Organization (WHO) library databases, using waiting times, outpatient depart

SUBMITTER: Nwagbara UI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11338458 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature