• Seth A Brown, Jefferson D Parker, and Phillip R Godding.
• Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, Suite 551, Baltimore, MD 21201-1596, USA. sbrown@psych.umaryland.edu
• J Behav Health Serv Res. 2002 May 1; 29 (2): 217-28.

AbstractThe waiting list is commonly used in the delivery of mental health services. Despite their prevalence, their design and management are generally not standardized; rather, they take place on an ad hoc basis as a response to undesirable circumstances. The formulation and management of a waiting list initially appear to be simple, straightforward, and benign. However, on close examination, waiting lists are complicated, and implementation involves pervasive costs and benefits. This article delineates the costs and benefits involved in the use of waiting lists. It outlines administrative, clinical, and ethical issues intrinsic in the use of waiting lists and provides recommendations aimed at assisting in their design and management. While recommendations encompassing the range of possible unique situations are impractical, guidelines for consideration of important variables are provided.

15 keywords...

hide…