[SMS reminders can reduce non-attendance at consultations]
Katrina Hutton Carlsen1, Troels Ulrik Eliasen, Karen Marie Carlsen
1Dermatologisk Afdeling, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 København NV.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 9, 2014
Summary
Patient no-shows in dermatology clinics are common. While most patients favor SMS reminders, low enrollment and awareness limit their effectiveness, indicating a need for automatic enrollment to improve appointment attendance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Patient non-attendance at scheduled consultations is a significant issue in healthcare.
- In January 2014, Bispebjerg Hospital's Dermatology Department experienced a 9.3% rate of missed appointments.
- This highlights the need for effective strategies to improve patient attendance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient opinions on short message service (SMS) reminders for dermatology appointments.
- To evaluate the current enrollment and awareness rates of SMS reminders.
- To identify potential improvements for the SMS reminder system.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 209 patients regarding their views on SMS reminders.
- Data on appointment attendance and reminder enrollment were collected.
- Analysis focused on patient perception and system utilization.
Main Results:
- 82% of interviewed patients had a positive opinion of SMS reminders.
- However, only 17.7% were enrolled in the reminder system, with 33% unaware of it.
- SMS reminders directly guaranteed attendance for 6.2% of patients.
Conclusions:
- SMS reminders for dermatology appointments are well-received by patients.
- Current enrollment and awareness levels are low, indicating significant untapped potential.
- Automatic enrollment of patients when referred could substantially improve appointment attendance rates.
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