Management strategies on surgical waiting lists: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the strategies used to manage waiting lists for elective surgical patients. Methods: Integrative review carried out in four databases, in January 2021. The PICo strategy was used to elaborate the research question. The articles were managed in Endnote X5 and Rayyan software to exclude duplicate documents and blind the reviewers. Results: Nine articles were obtained that observed the prevalence of case-control research and quantitative studies (seven/77.77%) classified with evidence level four (moderate). The use of management strategies to take advantage of the surgical team, centralization of waiting lists, collaboration of operating rooms from different hospitals, prioritization status and patient waiting time, use of computer software and the lean healthcare method was evidenced. Final considerations: This study can contribute to expand knowledge in this theme still little explored in Brazil by evidencing the need to share successful experiences for the improvement of the management of waiting lists. The strategies proved to be effective; however, some strategies must be improved so that they can be replicated, respecting the specific characteristics of health services in Brazil.