Paediatric referral and attendance rates for the clinical genetics service in south-east Scotland--a comparison of a regional clinic with satellite clinics.
OBJECTIVE
In some studies the establishment of specialist satellite clinics nearer to the homes of patients has resulted in increased referral and attendance rates, particularly amongst populations in lower socio-economic groups. We investigated the effect on these rates of establishing satellite genetic counselling clinics for families with paediatric conditions in South East Scotland.


RESULTS
Families offered appointments at a clinic at the regional paediatric hospital were compared with those offered appointments at a satellite clinic at a local district general hospital. Both groups of families were more socially deprived than the general population (regional clinic p < 0.001, satellite clinics p < 0.05), and in both groups attendance rate at first appointment was 88% and inversely related to social deprivation. There was no evidence of greater attendance amongst more deprived patients at the satellite clinics compared to the regional clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study found no evidence that the establishment of satellite clinics for genetic counselling in South East Scotland increases attendance by families with paediatric conditions in lower socio-economic groups. This suggests that factors other than clinic location determine referral and attendance rates, and these may include understanding of the reason for referral and the advantage of attendance.
Holloway
S M
SM
Clinical Scientist, Clinical Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU. smholloway@ed.ac.uk
Lampe
A K
AK
Lam
W W K
WW
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors