Waiting times for appointments with orthopaedic surgeons in Victoria: 1995-97

Background: A number of different models have been proposed for determining surgical workforce requirements. Methods: In 1995 the Workforce Subcommittee of the Victorian Regional Branc h of the Australian Orthopaedic Association commenced a prospective evaluat ion of waiting times for both urgent and nonurgent appointments with orthop aedic surgeons in Victoria. Results: The results for the 3 years, 1995-97, show no significant change i n the waiting time for nonurgent appointments and no difference between met ropolitan and rural areas. The waiting time for an urgent appointment incre ased from 1995 to 1997 for the state of Victoria and for metropolitan Melbo urne but not for rural areas. However, the median waiting time for an urgen t appointment did not change. Conclusion: Overall the waiting times were found to be satisfactory by prev iously reported standards.