Understanding and Addressing Wait Times in Specialized Geriatric Services: Findings From a Multi-Phase Engagement Process

Persistent wait times in Specialized Geriatric Services increase risks for older adults living with frailty and place additional pressure on primary care. While workforce shortages contribute to delays, variation across programs suggests that access is also influenced by how referral, triage, assessment, follow-up, and care integration are organized. The Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto conducted a multi-phase engagement initiative including a targeted literature scan, stakeholder interviews and surveys, and a regional summit to identify system-level barriers and prioritize opportunities for improvement. Findings converged on four interconnected domains: referral and triage, comprehensive geriatric assessment design, follow-up and discharge, and integration with primary and community care. Stakeholders prioritized clinically guided triage, tailored assessment pathways, clearer follow-up accountability, strengthened shared care models, and enhanced data infrastructure. These findings identify opportunities to strengthen access through coordinated system planning, operational improvements, and regional leadership within existing resource constraints.