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Implications of Dual Practice on Cataract Surgery Waiting Time and Rescheduling: The Case of Malaysia

Background: Dual practice was implemented in selected Ministry of Health Malaysia hospitals to reduce brain drain and provide an alternative for patients willing to pay higher user fees to seek prompt treatment from the specialist of their choice. This study aimed to assess the implications of dual...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Fun, Weng Hong, Tan, Ee Hong, Sararaks, Sondi, Md. Sharif, Shakirah, Ab Rahim, Iqbal, Jawahir, Suhana, Eow, Vivien Han Ying, Sibert, Raoul Muhammad Yusof, Fadzil, Malindawati Mohd, Mahmud, Siti Haniza
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: MDPI 2021
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8228072/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34072671
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060653
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Dual practice was implemented in selected Ministry of Health Malaysia hospitals to reduce brain drain and provide an alternative for patients willing to pay higher user fees to seek prompt treatment from the specialist of their choice. This study aimed to assess the implications of dual practice on waiting time and rescheduling for cataract surgery. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a referral hospital. Inpatient medical records of patients who underwent cataract procedures were used to study the waiting times to surgery and rescheduling between private and public groups. Results: Private patients had a considerably shorter waiting time for cataract surgery, seven times shorter compared to public patients where all surgeries were conducted after hours on weekdays or weekends. Additionally, 14.9% of public patients experienced surgery rescheduling, while all private patients had their surgeries as planned. The main reason for surgery rescheduling was the medical factor, primarily due to uncontrolled blood pressure and upper respiratory tract infection. Conclusion: Private service provision utilizing out-of-office hours slots for cataract surgery optimizes public hospital resources, allowing shorter waiting times and providing an alternative to meet healthcare needs.