“Waiting time and satisfaction level in adult outpatient traumatology patients in a hospital in Cajamarca, 2025”

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is an essential indicator of healthcare quality, and waiting time significantly influences their perception of the service received. Objective: To determine the degree of relationship between waiting time and the level of satisfaction in adult outpatients attending the traumatology service of a hospital in Cajamarca, 2025. Materials and methods: This is a quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 83 patients. A validated 25-item questionnaire is used, measuring five dimensions of satisfaction and waiting times across different areas. Statistical analysis includes the chi-square test and Spearman's rho. Results: A significant negative correlation is found between waiting time and satisfaction level (p<0.001; Rho=-4.16). A total of 60.2% of patients report being satisfied, and 37.3% report being pleased. The longest delays are identified in the admissions area. Variables such as age (p=0.049) and type of insurance (p<0.001) show a significant association with satisfaction. Conclusions: Reducing waiting times, especially in initial administrative processes, may increase outpatient satisfaction.