What question did this study set out to answer?

This project aims to reduce wait times and resolve backlogged referrals for outpatient mental healthcare services.

February 28, 2026BMJ Open QualityOpen Access

Reducing wait times for hospital-based outpatient mental healthcare: what works?

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Quality improvement project reduces wait times in outpatient mental health referrals, suggesting effective strategies for healthcare systems.

This project aims to reduce wait times and resolve backlogged referrals for outpatient mental healthcare services.
Process mapping of GAAMHS components was conducted.
An Ishikawa diagram identified factors contributing to the backlog.
Quality improvement ideas were proposed and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
Interventions included reassessing patient needs and standardizing service delivery practices.
Backlogged referrals were resolved in a median of 5.3 months.
Average consultations per psychiatrist increased from 10.3 to 18.8 between 2020 and 2023.
Median wait times for new referrals decreased to 102 days by December 2023.

Oneschuk et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Quality improvement project reduces wait times in outpatient mental health referrals, suggesting effective strategies for healthcare systems.