Assessing Patient Waiting Time at the Outpatient Units of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The outpatient department (OPD) is often the first point of contact between patients and the healthcare system. Patient waiting time is a major determinant of patient satisfaction and an important indicator of healthcare quality and efficiency. It refers to the interval between a patient’s arrival at the facility and consultation with a physician. Current recommendations suggest that at least 90% of patients should be attended to within 30 minutes of their scheduled appointment time. However, prolonged waiting times remain common, with substantial variation across healthcare services and settings. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate patient waiting times and their determinants in a typical Cameroonian hospital setting across four outpatient specialties at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH). Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient units of YGOPH, namely Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine, over two months from January to February 2026. Following ethical clearance, data were collected on patient satisfaction with waiting time in relation to patient-related and facility-related factors. A four-section questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, waiting time assessment, facility-related factors, and patient-related factors was administered after informed consent and required approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26 and interpreted according to the 2018 WHO guidelines. The Chi-square was used as statistical test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 400 participants were recruited, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.76 and a mean age of 23.5 years. Most participants resided in Yaounde V, where the hospital is located. The overall mean waiting time across outpatient units was 96.59 ± 60.14 minutes, distributed as follows: Obstetrics and Gynaecology (128.12 minutes), Internal Medicine (97.32 minutes), Surgery (82.34 minutes), and Paediatrics (78.58 minutes). Factors significantly associated with patient waiting time were: age (χ² = 15.72; p = 0.02), gender (χ² = 17.81; p < 0.001), ease of payment (χ² = 12.98; p = 0.01), presence of the consultant on arrival (χ² = 19.16; p < 0.001), and time of arrival (χ² = 10.31; p = 0.01). Despite prolonged waiting times, overall patient satisfaction was rated as good in 74.3% of cases. Nevertheless, an inverse relationship was observed between waiting time and patient satisfaction, such that satisfaction decreased as waiting time increased. Conclusion: Patient waiting times in the outpatient units of YGOPH were considerably long, although the principal associated factor identified was modifiable. These findings suggest the need for earlier commencement of consultations and improved patient flow management strategies.