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Non-attendance at out-patient clinics: a case study
1Department of Nursing and Health Visiting, University of Ulster Jordanstown, Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Patient no-shows at clinics are common. This study found that clinic non-attendance stems from various factors, including administrative issues and differing professional opinions, not patient irresponsibility.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Experience
- Clinical Administration
Background:
- Non-attendance at out-patient clinics represents a significant global healthcare challenge.
- Previous research often overlooked qualitative insights into patient defaulting behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore the multifaceted reasons behind non-attendance at out-patient clinics.
- To investigate the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs), hospital staff, and patients who missed appointments.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative research approach was employed.
- Data collection involved interviews with GPs, hospital staff, and patients (defaulters).
- Exploration of differing professional opinions on patient management.
Main Results:
- Significant administrative inefficiencies were cited by 32% of non-attenders.
- Discrepancies in clinical management approaches between GPs and hospital staff were identified.
- Patient reasons for non-attendance were diverse and complex.
Conclusions:
- Non-attendance is multifactorial, challenging the stereotype of patients being irresponsible.
- Addressing non-attendance requires inter-professional dialogue on patient care responsibilities.
- Enhanced patient-physician negotiation and patient appointment management empowerment are recommended.