title: Time of day influences nonattendance at Urgent Short-Term Mental Health Unit in Victoria, British Columbia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the patient profile of first-time no-shows (FTNS) and to examine which process variables predict FTNS.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a questionnaire exploring vriables that might impact attendance. Of 779 referrals over 9 months, all FTNS (n = 60) and a sample of randomly selected control subjects (n = 60) completed the questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The FTNS rate was 7.7%. A set of 10 variables predicted FTNS at 80% accuracy. Most significant was our finding that "time of day of first appointment" showed a novel and practical difference between FTNS and control subjects. Patients were 3.6 times more likely to show for first appointments scheduled in the afternoon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simply making first appointments in the afternoon could significantly decrease FTNS incidence.
authors.affiliation: Urgent Short Term Assessment and Treatment Unit, Vancouver Island Health Authority South (VIHA), 1119 Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1J5.
authors.forename: Rivian
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weinerman
authors.forename: Vi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Glossop
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Rif
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kamil
mesh_terms: D001955:British Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors