title: Physician survey regarding patient nonattendance at follow-up appointments at a university-affiliated medical dermatology clinic.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patient nonattendance is a frequent occurrence in dermatology clinics, and our responsibility regarding the follow-up of these patients remains nebulous.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to evaluate the beliefs and practices of physicians at a university-affiliated medical dermatology clinic regarding patient nonattendance at follow-up appointments and to provide an algorithm to deal appropriately with absentee patients based on various Canadian medical association guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was distributed to the 17 dermatologists practicing at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal medical dermatology clinic. We contacted provincial and national medical associations regarding directives for patient follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is a lack of consensus among dermatologists at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal regarding responsibility toward patients who miss their follow-up appointments. However, the majority of survey respondents consider that patient follow-up must be adjusted on a case-by-case basis and that diagnoses at risk for high morbidity and mortality require particular attention, which is in line with various Canadian medical association guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dermatologists should have a structured approach to dealing with patients who miss their follow-up appointments to ensure the appropriate care of all patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Center Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC. eiman.nasseri@umontreal.ca
authors.forename: Eiman
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nasseri
authors.forename: Janie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brassard
authors.forename: Geneviève
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fortier-Riberdy
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marcil
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D000465:Algorithms; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001706:Biopsy; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011792:Quebec; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014850:Waiting Lists