Charity employs real-world evidence to recommend improvements to NHS surgery waits

Independent Age, the elderly charity, has published a new report involving real-world evidence from older patients’ experiences of elective surgery waiting lists. The report, entitled ‘Patiently Waiting’, utilized interviews to gain real-world data for analysis, the findings of which guided recommendations. As a consequence of COVID-19, the NHS suspended non-urgent procedures, adding to the record-breaking 5.61 million individuals listed on NHS waiting lists. The report intended to provide recommendations for reducing these numbers. Approximately one in three individuals taking part in the study (36%) aged 65 or above had been waiting for over 12 months for a planned surgery. Examples...