COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Background: Many health care systems globally continue to phasing lengthy waiting time for patients. Long waiting time is one of the most important problems that affect health-seeking behavior of community. This study aimed to assess overall time spent and associated factors in outpatient department of Arba Minch general hospital southern Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 336 respondents from March 26, 2024 to April 26, 2024. A time and motion, a semi- structured questionnaire and key informant interview were used to obtain information. A simple linear regression model was used to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. A P-Value of less than 0.05 was taken as a cut-off to declare association in multiple linear analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed manually using the thematic analysis method. Result Descriptive statistics: Overall, the mean time of 169.08(SD=30.58) minute was spent. Inferential statistics: Performing diagnostic test [β= 13.42, 95%CI 9.11, 17.7], having CBHI[β= 25.39,95%CI 10.46, 40.32],coming early in the morning [β= 15.21,95%CI 9.23, 21.40] and being out of Arba Minch town [β=14.40,95%CI 0.40, 28.38] were positively associated with overall time spent and coming on four working days excluding Monday [β= -3.01,95%CI -5.55, -0.46], , number of patients in queue at registration and pharmacy[β=-1.27,95%CI -2.11, -0.44] and [β=3.70, 95%CI -6.15,-1.25] respectively were negatively associated. Very large number of patients, services were not coordinated properly, patients don‟t follow the queue, distributing patients based on number doctors available and being teaching hospital, though it is general hospital were also factors affecting overall time spent that was identified by qualitative approach. Conclusion: This study has shown that majority of the patients experience long over all time during their visit with the greatest time spent waiting to receive services. This overall time 2 was associated with the number of patients in the queue, diagnostic tests, CBHI, arrival time, day of visit and residency. Recommendation: To manage high patient volumes, especially early in the week, the hospital should shift to an appointment-based system for chronic conditions. Implementing computerized systems that will streamline operations. Networking with lower health facilities will facilitate timely referrals and bookings. Working with the Ministry of Health to limit the assessment center to referred and emergency cases will reduce non-urgent walk-ins and overcrowding. Improving the triaging system to prioritize severe cases over minor ones will further enhance patient flow and reduce delays.