A survey to assess the preferences of patients with diabetes for the time and location of their outpatient appointments

Recent NHS reforms aim to give increased choice of specialist services to patients. Using a questionnaire survey, we ascertained the preferences of patients with diabetes for the time and location of their diabetes outpatient appointments.

Questionnaires were distributed to all attendees at consecutive Worcestershire Royal Hospital diabetes adult outpatient clinics during three weeks in 2005. Questionnaires were completed anonymously.

A total of 154 patients completed questionnaires (response rate 99%). The age range was 20‐88 years. In all, 47% worked full time, 6% worked part time, 38% were retired and 9% were unemployed. Seventy‐five percent travelled to their appointments by car, 8% by public transport, 6% by taxi, 3% by hospital transport and 8% by other means. Eighty‐one percent of car travellers had difficulty in parking. In total, 47% would prefer to see the diabetes team at a general practice, 43% at the general hospital and 9% at a community hospital. Twenty‐eight percent would prefer any weekday and 38% had no preference. Less than 6% would prefer a weekend appointment. Forty‐four percent would prefer mornings, 26% afternoons and 8% evening appointments; 22% did not mind. Sixteen percent of the sample cared for others during weekdays. Thirty‐six percent of carers preferred morning appointments, 40% the afternoon. Twelve percent wanted to be seen after 5pm. Seventy‐six percent of carers preferred to be seen on a weekday. None wanted to be seen on a Saturday.

It was concluded that, in this area, people with diabetes want clinic appointments in either general practice or a general hospital, preferring appointments on weekday mornings. These results may have general relevance. We suggest that similar surveys become routine to inform future planning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.