Perceptions of Otolaryngologists on Single-Entry Models for Managing Wait Times in Community-Based Health Care in Ontario: A Qualitative Study

ImportanceLong wait times for medical care have been exacerbated following the pandemic in many health systems. Single-entry models (SEMs) have been proposed as a strategy to manage growing surgical backlogs and increase timeliness and quality of care by creating a single queue and centralizing the referral triage process.ObjectiveThe primary objective was to evaluate the perceptions of SEMs among community otolaryngologists for managing surgical backlogs. The secondary objectives were to better understand their experiences with the current system and to investigate their recommendations for implementing an SEM.DesignInterpretive Description.SettingOntario, Canada.ParticipantsNine community-based otolaryngologists.Intervention/ExposuresNot available.MethodsVirtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with study participants. Data were independently analyzed using inductive and deductive methods by multiple team members. Results were triangulated, and a final coding framework was developed collaboratively from which themes were identified.Main Outcome MeasuresPerceptions of SEMs as well as recommendations for design and implementation.ResultsThree thematic domains and 9 subdomains were identified from our interview data: (1) factors affecting the utility of SEMs; (2) opinions and buy-in of physicians; and (3) opportunities to improve equity.Conclusions and RelevanceWe identified a number of factors that should be considered in supporting community-based otolaryngologists to adopt SEMs as a strategy for ensuring timely and equitable access to care. Clinical leaders and specialty organizations play a pivotal role for such changes to succeed. Implementing SEMs may be an important step toward increasing equity, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in otolaryngology.