Understanding and Addressing Delays in Endocrine Surgery: Insights From a Mixed‐Methods Study and a Pilot Educational Intervention

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Delays in endocrine surgical care contribute to adverse events, patient dissatisfaction, and mortality. Communication is an overlooked contributor. This study identified multi-level drivers of delay and piloted a provider-focused intervention. METHODS: We conducted an IRB-approved mixed-methods study. A retrospective analysis of 898 patients who underwent thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal surgery at a single academic center between January 2023 and August 2024 quantified referral (first abnormal lab or imaging to first surgical consultation) and treatment (consultation to surgery) delays, evaluating sociodemographic, patient portal, and interoperability factors. Semi-structured interviews with patients and staff explored patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers. A pilot educational intervention for primary care providers (PCPs) assessed pre-post changes in referral-related knowledge and comfort caring for primary hyperparathyroidism. RESULTS: Median referral delay (157 days) exceeded treatment delay (62 days), suggesting delays occurred primarily during the referral phase of care. Older age, female sex, and thyroid disease independently predicted longer referral delays. Our educational intervention improved PCP recognition and referral confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Delays in endocrine surgical care are multifactorial, spanning patient-, provider-, and system-level factors. Provider-focused interventions are promising, but prospective studies are needed to confirm impact on delays and outcomes.

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