Thực trạng thời gian chờ khám của người bệnh điều trị ngoại trú tại Viện Y Dược học Dân tộc Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh và định hướng cải tiến quy trình

The efficiency of healthcare service delivery, particularly in outpatient settings, is paramount for ensuring both quality of care and patient satisfaction. Prolonged waiting times represent a critical challenge that can diminish the patient experience and impact the operational effectiveness of medical facilities. Recognizing this, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has consistently emphasized the importance of streamlining examination processes to minimize patient delays. Despite these directives, waiting times can vary significantly across institutions due to factors like patient volume, procedural complexity, and organizational structure. This study addresses this vital issue by assessing the current outpatient waiting times at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to identify influencing factors and propose targeted improvements to enhance clinical workflow and overall service delivery.

Healthcare administrators, hospital management, policymakers, and medical professionals involved in optimizing patient flow and improving service quality in outpatient settings, particularly within traditional medicine institutions.

This cross-sectional study investigates the current status of patient **waiting time** for **outpatient care** at the **Institute of Traditional Medicine** in Ho Chi Minh City, with the objective of assessing current delays and proposing improvements to the clinical workflow. Conducted on 477 outpatients, the research found that the average total waiting time for the entire process was 44.00 ± 16.29 minutes. Key findings indicate a direct correlation between waiting time and the number of diagnostic techniques required, ranging from 34.35 minutes for no techniques to 53.61 minutes for three techniques. Factors significantly associated with longer waiting times include patients making first-time visits, those covered by health insurance, morning consultations, and early weekdays. Conversely, patients opting for on-demand services experienced notably shorter waiting periods. While the Institute's current waiting times largely adhere to the Ministry of Health's standards, the study concludes that continuous review of workflows, strategic patient stratification, and the strategic application of information technology are crucial. These measures are essential not only for further reducing patient waiting times but also for enhancing the overall effectiveness and quality of service delivery within the traditional medicine framework. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare administrators and policymakers seeking to optimize patient flow and satisfaction in similar healthcare settings.