Turnaround Time of Consults in a Primary Care System in Rural Philippines: A Descriptive Retrospective Cohort Study

Authors

  • April Faye P. Barbadillo, MD Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4233-1193 (unauthenticated)
  • Leonila F. Dans, MD, MSc Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5271-270X (unauthenticated)
  • Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, MD Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8815-4191 (unauthenticated)
  • Cara Lois T. Galingana, BS Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Josephine T. Sanchez, BS Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Maria Rhodora N. Aquino Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Arianna Maever L. Amit Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Regine Ynez H. De Mesa, BA Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Mia P. Rey, PhD Department of Accounting and Finance, Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Janelle Micaela S. Panganiban Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Karl Engelene E. Poblete Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Nanette B. Sundiang, MD, MBA-H Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Antonio L. Dans, MD, MSc Philippine Primary Care Studies, Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman; Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9694-8757 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8320

Keywords:

turnaround time, primary care, electronic medical records, pandemic, Philippines

Abstract

Background. Turnaround time is an integral component of primary healthcare and is a key performance indicator of healthcare delivery. It is defined as the time patients spend during a healthcare facility visit. In this study, turnaround time is defined as the time elapsed from registration to the end of consultation.

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the turnaround time of consults in the primary care system in a rural site in the Philippines, and compare turnaround time during the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic periods.

Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients seen at the primary care facility under the Phili