From Research to Reality: Automated Waitlists

Automated waitlists are quickly becoming a key component of modern ambulatory access strategies, but what separates successful implementations from the rest?In this special edition of the All Access Pass podcast, Elizabeth Woodcock, Molly Siegel, and Chris Profeta discuss their newly published peer-reviewed research in the Journal of Medical Internet Research: Automated Waitlists for Ambulatory Appointment Scheduling: A Multi-Site, Mixed-Methods Evaluation.Drawing on data from health systems across the country, the team explores what the research revealed about implementation, adoption, patient outcomes, and the organizational factors that drive success. From lower missed appointment rates and flexible configuration to leadership support, implementation science, and the digital divide, this conversation offers practical insights for access leaders looking to optimize their scheduling strategies.Join us as we turn research into reality and discuss what automated waitlists mean for the future of patient access.Woodcock E, Profeta C, Siegel M. Automated Waitlists for Ambulatory Appointment Scheduling: Multisite, Mixed Methods Evaluation. J Med Internet Res. 2026 Jul 23;28:e90091. doi: 10.2196/90091. PMID: 42492053; PMCID: PMC13395261.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13395261/*For internal reference, here is the data from the article: Thirty-six (IQR 30.0-44.0) days of improvement were realized. Accepted waitlist offers brought the patient’s appointment date forward by 36 (IQR 30.0-44.0) calendar days from the original appointment, thus shortening the lag time for the patient. There were eight (IQR 6.3-24.1) calendar days between the offer acceptance date and the offered appointment date.