title: Factors associated with No-Shows and rescheduling MRI appointments.
abstract: One of the major challenges facing global radiology services comes from delays connected to long waiting lists for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Such delays in diagnostic procedures could lead to poorer patient care outcomes. This study intended to estimate the rate of "No-Shows" or "Reschedule" MRI appointments. We also investigated the factors correlating No-Shows and Reschedule MRI appointments.
  
  
  
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using data obtained via MRI schedule reviews and self-administrated questionnaires. Clinical and demographic data were also collected from the study participants. Stepwise binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data.
  
  
  
  A total of 904 outpatients were asked to participate in the study, and we enrolled 121 outpatients who agreed to complete the study questionnaire. Of the 904 outpatients, the rate of No-Shows or Reschedule was 34.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 31.7-38.1%). Of the 121 outpatients studied, the rate of No-Shows or Reschedule was 49.6% (95% CI: 40.4-58.8%). Those of the female gender (OR = 6.238; 95% CI: 2.674-14.551, p-value = 0.001) and lack of education (OR = 2.799; 95% CI: 1.121-6.986, p-value = 0.027) were highly associated with No-Shows for the MRI appointments. There was no clarification of the MRI instructions (OR = 31.396; 95% CI: 3.427-287.644; p-value = 0.002), and family member drivers (OR = 15.530; 95% CI: 2.637-91.446, p-value = 0.002) were highly associated with rescheduling the MRI appointments.
  
  
  
  We noted higher rates of No-Shows and Rescheduling of MRI appointments in females, those with a lack of formal education, those who had not received the procedure instructions, and those who lacked transportation. We recommend setting targets and developing strategies and policies to improve more timely access to MRI, and thus reduce the waiting time.
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.|Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Majeed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O AlRowaili
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ahmeda5@vcu.edu.|Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ahmeda5@vcu.edu.|Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, MC 2350, P.O. Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia. ahmeda5@vcu.edu.
authors.forename: Anwar E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Hasan A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Areabi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D000067455:No-Show Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014850:Waiting Lists
keywords: MRI waiting times; No-Shows; Radiology services; Saudi Arabia