Define the events behind the duration.
Booking status, queue progress and payment state answer different questions. A waiting measure needs an explicit start and finish.
An average needs its denominator.
Suppose two fictional sessions have mean waits of 10 and 20 minutes, based on 2 and 8 observations. The simple mean of the two session means is 15 minutes. Their observation-weighted mean is 18 minutes.
- 01
Use the definition of the report you are reading.
- 02
Check missing or late queue transitions and unusual values.
- 03
Compare similar doctor/session/date scope; a duration is an operational measure.
| Session | Observation count | Mean wait |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | 10 minutes |
| B | 8 | 20 minutes |
| Simple mean of session means | 2 sessions | (10 + 20) ÷ 2 = 15 minutes |
| Observation-weighted mean | 10 observations | (2 × 10 + 8 × 20) ÷ 10 = 18 minutes |
Write down the definition before comparing.
The checklist records the start/end event, included states, missing-value handling, date/doctor scope and available export. A completed sample row is included.
Download the report definition sheetInvestigate unusual numbers through the visit.
Late updates, missing transitions and small samples can change a comparison. Inspect the underlying appointment before drawing conclusions.
Should a missing duration be zero?
Do not assume zero. Check how the report handles incomplete events.
Does a shorter wait prove better care?
It describes an operational measure. Clinical quality and outcomes require different evidence.