The use of information in the management of elective surgery waiting lists

The behaviour of elective surgery waiting Usts is complex and poorly understood. Yet, it would be wrong to believe that there is nothing that could be done to reduce the risk of patients waiting excessively. Indeed, some commentators have suggested excessive waiting times are avoidable, and that their existence is evidence of poor management practice. Although this may be true in some situations, other evidence points to a lack of adequate information being available to patients, doctors and managers when they are faced with a clinical or managerial decision.