A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Patient Waiting Time and Contributing Factors in Diagnostic Radiology

Background: Patient waiting time is a key indicator of service quality and operational efficiency in diagnostic radiology departments. Prolonged waiting times may delay clinical decision-making, reduce patient satisfaction, and reflect underlying workflow inefficiencies. Aim: To assess patient waiting time in a diagnostic radiology department and identify factors influencing delays in imaging services.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in a diagnostic radiology department. A total of 560 patients undergoing X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI examinations were included. Patient waiting time was measured from registration to completion of the imaging procedure. Data on demographics, imaging modality, and referral source were collected using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall mean patient waiting time was 48.6 ± 21.4 minutes. MRI examinations demonstrated the longest waiting time (76.9 ± 24.1 minutes), followed by CT (58.7 ± 20.4 minutes), ultrasound (45.8 ± 18.2 minutes), and X-ray (32.4 ± 12.6 minutes). Emergency referrals had significantly shorter waiting times compared to outpatient and inpatient referrals (p <0.001). Imaging modality and referral source were significant determinants of waiting time.

Conclusion: Patient waiting time in diagnostic radiology varies significantly across imaging modalities and referral categories. Advanced imaging modalities are associated with longer delays, while emergency prioritization effectively reduces waiting time. Regular monitoring and workflow optimization are essential to improve service efficiency and patient satisfaction.