BOOKS OF RtfiDIfGS - PAHO/WHO

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A pure block appointment system assigns the same appointment
:ine ..t the beginning of the clinic session to all patients. An
individual system assigns a different appointment time to each
one of the patients. A mixed block-individual assigns a group Ujt
patients to certair. times (generally at the beginning of a clinic
session), but also assigns individual appointment times to each
one of the other patients.
At the time of the stuJv only one department of the clinic used
the pure block system. The individual appointment system was
used by rriost doctors; the mixed block-individual appointment
system was used by the others.
There are two basic types of prescheduling. In "prior prescheduling"
the patient is scheduled for certain laboratory tests,
X-rays andlor special exams before an appointment with the primary
doctor. In "posterior pre-scheduling," tenative appointment
times are saved for the patient, in addition to the patient's
primary doctor appointment. After the primary examniinat;oií, the
doctor decides whether the tentative appointments should be
used or cancelled. Combinations of the two types of prescheduling
can and have been used. There are advantages and
disadvantages to butis kinds of prescheduling.
One advantage of prior pFc.ciheduling is that the primary doctor
will have laboratory, X-ray and special studies results available
at the time of the appointment. This may help in the initial
examination. Another advantage is that when no further tests
andlor consults are necessary for the patient, the doctor may be
able to give a full diagnosis at the initial appointment. One disadvantage
is that the patient may sometimes take unnecessary
tests. Another is that as a result of the doctor's examination, the
patient may be required to return to the laboratory 2 or to the
Radiology Department.
The advantage of posterior prescheduling is that the time span
for the complete routing may be less than the time span which
could be obtained on the day of the appointmnent. One of the
disadvantages is that when the doctor decides to cancel some of
the prescheduled appointments, these appointments may go un-
'In s¢-ne cases. it nmay be possible to eliminate this inconvenwieince to the patiúLnt by
.aving specimens and blood -aimples for a certain period of time in the lab.
HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 1 WINTER 1978