Effect on hospital attendance rates of giving patients a copy of their referral letter: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether sending patients a copy of their referral letter can reduce non-attendance at outpatient departments.


METHODS
Blinded randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
13 general practices in Exeter, Devon.


METHODS
2078 new consultant referrals from 26 doctors.


METHODS
Non-attendance at outpatient departments.


RESULTS
The doctors excluded 117 (5.6%) referrals, and 100 (4.8%) received no appointment. Attendance data were available for 1857 of the 1861 patients sent an appointment (99.8%). The receipt of a copy letter had no effect on the non-attendance rate: copy 50/912 (5.5%) versus control 50/945 (5.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Copy letters are ineffective in reducing non-attendance at outpatient departments.
Hamilton
W
W
North and East Devon Health Authority, Southernhay East, Exeter EX1 1PQ.
Round
A
A
Sharp
D
D
D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*