OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to (1) determine the outpatient waiting time (WT) at the Outpatient Department of Ky Anh Town General Hospital, Ha Tinh Province, in 2024, and (2) analyze key factors influencing this waiting time.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was conducted. The study participants included 220 patients and healthcare workers at the hospital. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (T-tests and ANOVA tests) were applied. A statistical significance level of α=0.05 was used for all tests.

RESULTS:
The mean outpatient waiting time at the Outpatient Department was 110.7±61.6 minutes. Among all stages, patients experienced the longest waiting time for laboratory test results (67.8±32.1 minutes) and the shortest for ultrasound results (6.1±1.9 minutes). Statistically significant differences in WT were observed based on the number of clinical laboratory tests (CLS) performed, the type of specialist examination, the time and day of registration, and patient age group (p<0.05). Patients arriving in the morning generally experienced longer WTs. Patient age was found to be associated with their ability to understand and adhere to hospital procedures. Qualitative findings indicated issues such as a lack of clear guidance in the ultrasound room, cramped facilities with insufficient seating, and a shortage of resident doctors in the Outpatient Department, as well as insufficient medicine dispensing staff.

CONCLUSIONS:
Outpatient waiting times at Ky Anh Town General Hospital remain high, particularly in the mornings, largely due to human resource shortages and inadequate medical equipment.