Process modelling of NHS cardiovascular waiting lists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increase in NHS CVD waiting lists in England can be captured using a systems dynamics approach, as can the future state of waiting lists in the presence of further shocks/interventions. It is important for those planning services to use such a systems-oriented approach because the feed-forward and feedback nature of patient flow through referral, diagnostics and treatment leads to counterintuitive effects of interventions designed to reduce waiting lists.