Using a point system in the management of waiting lists: the case of cataracts

Eva Rodríguez-Míguez; Carmen Herrero; José Luis Pinto-Prades

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2003.11.004

Using a point system in the management of waiting lists: the case of cataracts

Soc Sci Med. 2004 Aug;59(3):585-94. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2003.11.004.

Authors

Eva Rodríguez-Míguez¹, Carmen Herrero, José Luis Pinto-Prades

Affiliation

¹ Department of Applied Economics, University of Vigo, Lagoas-Marcosende s/n, 36310 Vigo, Spain. emiguez@uvigo.es

PMID: 15144767
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2003.11.004

Abstract

In the management of waiting lists, point systems could be a useful mechanism to establish priorities amongst patients. In this paper we explore the possibility of using Conjoint Analysis (CA) in order to implement a point system based on social preferences. We conducted an experiment for the specific case of cataract extraction. In spite of the pilot nature of the study the results seems to suggest that CA is a feasible method in order to estimate a point system.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Case Management*
Cataract Extraction*
Decision Support Techniques*
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Logistic Models
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Reproducibility of Results
Social Values*
Spain
Waiting Lists*