Introduction/Background Patient perspective on treatment and aftercare in gynecological oncology has been getting more attention. However, there are no studies on patient’s experience of wait time before surgery, which is especially relevant as wait times have increased during the COVID pandemic. In this patient preference study we investigated 1)how patients experience wait time; 2)what wait time is acceptable; 3)how it impacts quality of life.

Methodology Mixed methods study design; combining a qualitative interview study with a questionnaire among women with gynecological cancer. We performed semi-structured interviews with 20 women about their experiences with and preferences regarding wait time. Using thematic analysis we found factors that impact wait time acceptability and based on this developed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 100 women who had undergone surgery for gynecological cancer in two tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands.

Results Wait time between first appointment and surgery was more than 4 weeks for 61% of patients. Wait time was considered too long by 77% of these patients compared to 39% of patients who waited less than 4 weeks (p=0.01). 31% of patients scored above the threshold for either anxiety or depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 63% of patients had sleeping problems and 37% of patients experienced pain frequently or most of the time. Patients spent less time on working (38%) and exercise (46%) and more time on time on relaxation (38%), with friends (27%) and educating themselves on their illness (40%).

Conclusion Waiting for surgery is often stressful for gynecological oncology patients. Waiting over 4 weeks for surgery is considered too long by most patients. Patients reduced time working and exercising and increased time finding information on their illness. This study provides directions on how to improve quality of care the weeks before surgery from the patient’s perspective.