The forecasted waiting times for prostatectomy in the UK indicate that in 2024, 8.4% of patients are expected to wait more than three months. This percentage remains stable in 2025 and rises slightly to 8.5% in 2026 and 8.6% in 2027 and 2028. In comparison to 2023, where the actual wait time stood at a level less than 8.4%, this represents an increasing trend in waiting times, with the most notable rises occurring after 2025. The average annual increase, as indicated by the CAGR over the past five years, reflects incremental growth cautioning increased strain on healthcare resources.
Future trends to watch include potential policy changes and healthcare investments designed to address prolonged waiting times. Monitoring subsequent impacts of healthcare workforce developments and technological advancements designed to streamline surgical processes will be essential to forecast precise changes in waiting times longer-term.
