Indicator Metadata
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- Detailed View
Name | Wait Times for CT Scan |
Short/Other Names |
Not applicable |
Description | The number of days patients waited, from the date the order/requisition was received to the date that patients received CT scans |
Interpretation | 50th percentile means a time period that typical patients have to wait to receive care. 90th percentile means that provinces could treat 90% of patients within that time period. |
HSP Framework Dimension |
Health System Outputs: Access to comprehensive, high-quality health services |
Areas of Need |
Getting Better |
Geographic Coverage |
Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia |
Reporting Level/Disaggregation |
Province/Territory |
Indicator Results |
Name | Wait Times for CT Scan |
Short/Other Names |
Not applicable |
Description | The number of days patients waited, from the date the order/requisition was received to the date that patients received CT scans |
Calculation: Description | The data set contains the following provincial and national wait time information for the first two quarters of the fiscal year (April–September): Measures: Wait times are obtained by calculating 1. The number of days half of patients in the sample received the surgery and half are still waiting (50th percentile) 2. The number of days that 90% of patients in the sample received the surgery and 10% are still waiting (90th percentile) Unit of Analysis: Client or patient |
Calculation: Geographic Assignment |
Place of service |
Calculation: Type of Measurement |
Number - 50th percentile, 90th percentile |
Calculation: Adjustment Applied |
None |
Calculation: Method of Adjustment |
Not applicable |
Denominator |
Description: |
Numerator |
Description: 2. The number of days that 90% of patients in the sample received the CT scan and 10% are still waiting (90th percentile) Inclusions: 2. 3.^^.20. ^^ CT scan, any site 3. All priority levels 2. Mammography screening and prenatal screening |
Rationale |
In 2004, Canada's first ministers agreed to work toward reducing wait times for five priority areas: cancer treatment, cardiac care, diagnostic imaging, joint replacement and sight restoration. CIHI was mandated to collect wait time information and monitor provincial progress in meeting benchmarks. Many factors affect wait times, for example, availability of resources, efficiency of a particular facility, seasonal effects, volumes, patient choice, patient condition, follow-up care and/or treatment complexity. This indicator can be used to help understand access to care and to know how provinces are performing in providing access to services. |
Interpretation |
50th percentile means a time period that typical patients have to wait to receive care. 90th percentile means that provinces could treat 90% of patients within that time period. |
HSP Framework Dimension |
Health System Outputs: Access to comprehensive, high-quality health services |
Areas of Need |
Getting Better |
Targets/Benchmarks |
Not applicable |
References |
Health Canada. A 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care. Health Canada. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/fptcollab/2004-fmm-rpm/index-eng.php. Updated September 16, 2004. Accessed June 7, 2013. |
Data Sources |
Provincial Wait Times Registry, Data may come from various sources, depending on the province. |
Available Data Years |
Type of Year: |
Geographic Coverage |
Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia |
Reporting Level/Disaggregation |
Province/Territory |
Update Frequency |
Every year |
Indicator Results |
Web Tool: |
Updates |
There might be some provincial exceptions to the standard methodology each year. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan). |
Caveats and Limitations |
Some provinces may have some exceptions and their methodology may be slightly different than the standard methodology. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan). |
Trending Issues |
Since 2008, an increasing number of provinces have adapted to the standard methodology to increase the comparability of results. When comparing several years of data for a particular province, attention should be given to the exceptions. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan). |
Comments |
Not applicable |