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Indian Journal of Neurosurgery 2015; 04(01): 022-025
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1549064
Original Article
Neurological Surgeons' Society of India

Time and Finance Consumption in Reaching Out for Neurosurgery Consultant in Outpatient Department

Sandeep Mohindra
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
,
Avondeep Dhaliwal
2   Division of Neurology and Neurosurgery Nursing, National Institute of Nursing Education, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 March 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Background Follow-up after surgical intervention is a vital part of patient safety and it also ensures that patients with chronic conditions receive the appropriate secondary care input.

Aims and Objective To calculate the time and finance patient spends in reaching out to the clinician. To outline the expenditure incurred on the patients' attendants, who travel along with the patient.

Methods A prospective study was conducted on study subjects (N = 103) who visited OPD Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. The researcher collected details directly from the patients or from their closest available attendants by using prepared questionnaire.

Results The mean time spent by patients in reaching OPD complex was 9 hours, in reaching consultant chamber after reaching OPD building was 3 hours, and for standing in queue just to get their registration done was 45 minutes. The mean time spent waiting outside for treating doctor was 60 minutes and for meeting doctor face-to-face was 10 minutes. A total of 26 patients came for follow-up without attendants and they spent a mean of INR 115. Attendants came with 77 patients and mean expenditure on their transportation was INR 484.

Conclusion Significant time wasted by patients for registration of OPD cards can be minimized by making appointment system by using phone call or the internet. Limitation of time consumption and accuracy of data recording can also be enhanced by installing Hospital Information System (HIS) and making OPD paperless. Cost-cutting methods can include stringent criteria for calling unconscious or dependent patients for follow-up in more judicious fashion.

Keywords

time and finance consumption - neurosurgery consultant - outpatient department
 

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