Non-attendance rate in a Danish University Clinic of Dermatology

• Aim To clarify the rate of non-attendance (NA) in an out-patient clinic. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods Attendance lists of 3592 patients were collected daily from 21 July-21 August and 21 October-21 November, 2009. NA patients were contacted to determine extenuations. To study NA in relation to diagnosis and age, a control group of patients who attended before or after a NA was established. Furthermore, two time periods from 8:00-11:30 AM and 11:30 AM-3:00 PM were compared. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults In total, 13% NA gave no cancellation (54.2% females and 45.8% males). Divided into age groups, 496 patients 0-25 years old had appointments, but 87 (18.6%) showed NA. In the 26-65 years old, 2188 patients were planned, but 313 (14.1%) showed NA. Over 65 years old, 878 patients were planned, but 69 patients (7.9%) showed NA. NA was higher (P andlt; 0.05) in patients 0-25 years old in comparison with the other age groups. Diagnoses had no influence on the rate of NA (P andgt; 0.05), neither had seasons nor time of the day. The main explanations reported by the NA were: forgetfulness (34.3%), erroneous scheduling (27.7%) and various reasons (38.0%). However, 18.5% had shown NA before while 17.1% were NA first timers. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion The NA rate 13% of 3592 patients was mostly patient-related. Erroneous scheduling was estimated to be 3.6%. NA was more frequent among young patients. NA rate is small in comparison with non-adherence to medicines, however, of major practical and economic consequence for the health system. SMS or e-mail notification and improved scheduling are potential actions to improve NA in the routine.

Keyword

adherence

attendance

compliance

dermatology

patient visit

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)