Time of day influences nonattendance at Urgent Short-Term Mental Health Unit in Victoria, British Columbia.
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.
Weinerman
Rivian
R
Urgent Short Term Assessment and Treatment Unit, Vancouver Island Health Authority South (VIHA), 1119 Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1J5.
Glossop
Vi
V
Wong
Randy
R
Robinson
Lara
L
White
Karen
K
Kamil
Rif
R
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