Measuring Waste of Patient Time in Health Care at Non-Digitized Hospital: An Observational Study in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Health Information and Communication Technology (HICT) is an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science and information technology with healthcare delivery. It involves the design, development, and implementation of IT-based systems such as electronic health records, patient scheduling systems, and online appointment platforms. These technologies can enhance the accessibility and flexibility of patient information, reduce costs, and minimize time waste for both patients and healthcare providers.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at a non-digitized hospital in Bangladesh. The researcher recorded patient activities from arrival to completion of treatment. Key timestamps included ticket collection, consultation start time, and total time spent in the hospital. A total of 100 patients were observed. The average waiting time and total time wasted were calculated and compared with the expected time saved using digital systems such as online appointment scheduling.
Results: In the traditional system, patients arrived early in the morning and experienced prolonged waiting periods at multiple stages—ticketing, doctor consultation, and treatment—resulting in a time loss of 3 to 8 hours per visit. In contrast, the use of digital health systems, particularly online appointments, significantly reduced waiting times. Patients who used such systems typically spent only 5 to 10 minutes waiting for the doctor after arriving at the hospital at their scheduled time, thereby saving several hours of productive time.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that adopting health information technology can significantly reduce time waste for patients. This study highlights the need for a national health server-based system in Bangladesh to streamline healthcare services and enhance efficiency. Widespread implementation of HICT in hospitals could substantially improve patient satisfaction and overall healthcare delivery.