Waiting times for health services, health, and labour market outcomes

Abstract

Waiting times for health care is a significant health policy concern across many health systems, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long waiting times for non-emergency care generate health losses to patients because health benefits are postponed. They can increase the risk of mortality or morbidity and reduce patient ability to benefit from health care. Waiting times can also generate negative spill-over effects on labour market outcomes. For individuals in the working age, employed individuals might end up on sick leave and claim sickness benefits, or experience reduced productivity if they continue to work. Individuals looking for a job may find it harder to find employment or become economically inactive. We conduct a narrative review of the literature on the effect of waiting times on health losses and labour market outcomes. There is growing literature documenting the effect of longer waiting times on labour market outcomes. Although limited, the literature identifies potentially harmful effects in particular when patients are waiting for mental health services and orthopaedic treatment. The findings have implications for prioritization of patients on the list and for allocation of resources within the health sector and across sectors.