Non-attendance rate in a Danish University Clinic of Dermatology.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the rate of non-attendance (NA) in an out-patient clinic.


METHODS
Attendance lists of 3592 patients were collected daily from 21 July-21 August and 21 October-21 November, 2009. NA patients were contacted to determine extenuations. To study NA in relation to diagnosis and age, a control group of patients who attended before or after a NA was established. Furthermore, two time periods from 8:00-11:30 AM and 11:30 AM-3:00 pm were compared.


RESULTS
In total, 13% NA gave no cancellation (54.2% females and 45.8% males). Divided into age groups, 496 patients 0-25 years old had appointments, but 87 (18.6%) showed NA. In the 26-65 years old, 2188 patients were planned, but 313 (14.1%) showed NA. Over 65 years old, 878 patients were planned, but 69 patients (7.9%) showed NA. NA was higher (P < 0.05) in patients 0-25 years old in comparison with the other age groups. Diagnoses had no influence on the rate of NA (P > 0.05), neither had seasons nor time of the day. The main explanations reported by the NA were: forgetfulness (34.3%), erroneous scheduling (27.7%) and various reasons (38.0%). However, 18.5% had shown NA before while 17.1% were NA first timers.


CONCLUSIONS
The NA rate 13% of 3592 patients was mostly patient-related. Erroneous scheduling was estimated to be 3.6%. NA was more frequent among young patients. NA rate is small in comparison with non-adherence to medicines, however, of major practical and economic consequence for the health system. SMS or e-mail notification and improved scheduling are potential actions to improve NA in the routine.
Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Katrinahuttoncarlsen@gmail.com
K H
KH
Carlsen
K M
KM
Carlsen
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Serup
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits; D010349:Patient Compliance; D055815:Young Adult