WCWL - Waiting Times Project

Despite the growing concern over lengthy waiting times for elective medical services in Canada, surprisingly, there is no standard universally acceptable definition for waiting time in a broad range of medically necessary services or procedures. More importantly, there are no maximum acceptable waiting times for such services or procedures that would be used as standards of practice and targets for appropriate access. While maximum waiting times have been implemented in some jurisdictions, there appears to be no precedent for the comprehensive and evidence-based approach being undertaken by WCWL..

WCWL is conducting a multi-faceted approach of action research that addresses waiting times on various fronts. A number of sub projects are described here, and a progress report will be posted on the website from time to time.

This is a dynamic environment where new information is constantly becoming available and can be important regarding the effects of waits on patients and providers. In the end, the development of benchmark waiting times for the conditions covered by WCWL tools must be acceptable to patients and clinicians and supported by governments.