Waiting list validation
Why waiting list validation matters
Elective waiting lists remain a major concern for the NHS, with many pathways still impacted by the COVID pandemic. Regular review helps optimise access to limited resources and supports the safety of patients who have experienced extended waits.
What validation achieves
- Confirms patients still need the intended intervention
- Improves prioritisation based on current clinical need
- Reduces duplication, unnecessary follow-ups and inappropriate appointments
- Improves data quality for operational planning
- Identifies patients who have suffered harm or are at risk of doing so
- Affords the opportunity for contemporary clinical practice methods such as PIFU and pre-investigation to be applied to historic cohorts of patients.
Advice and guidance and PIFU
Innovative validation approaches can include Advice and guidance and Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU), supporting timely clinical review while reducing avoidable face-to-face appointments and follow-up burden.