title: Non-attendance at outpatient clinics: is it related to the referral process?
abstract: Non-attendance at outpatient clinics is a complex problem and previous studies have concentrated on hospital-related factors. It has been suggested that non-attendance might be related to the referral process, including the selection of patients for referral and the quality of communication between GP and patient. These issues are examined in a study of 1492 patients given first-time appointments at ENT and gastroenterology clinics. Non-attendance rates were 26 and 20% respectively. Non-attendance was not related to the nature, severity or duration of the patients' presenting problems at the time of referral or to their perception of the need for referral. Resolution of symptoms did not appear to be a major reason for non-attendance. Patients were significantly less likely to attend if they had been unable or only partly able to discuss their health problem with their general practitioner. Those who had requested referral were equally likely to default.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012803:Sick Role