The waiting time for prostatectomy in Spain has been experiencing notable fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2015, we observed a downward trend, reaching its lowest in 2015. However, from 2016 onwards, there was a general upward trajectory, peaking dramatically in 2020 at 63.8 units of patients waiting 3+ months, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-2020, the waiting times faced a decline but started to rise again from 2022.
In 2023, the value stood at 54.4, marking a 12.63% increase compared to 2022. Over the last two years, there has been an average annual growth (CAGR) of 8.79%. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 suggests a slower but steady increase in waiting times, with a 5-year CAGR of 2.98% and an overall 5-year growth rate of 15.82%.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of healthcare policy changes, advancements in medical technology aimed at reducing surgery delays, and the effects of any new healthcare crises. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for accurate forecasting and efficient healthcare management.
