Document Type
Article (Restricted)
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Abstract
Missed appointments affect patients' health in addition to reducing practice efficiency. This study explored the rate and reasons of non-attendance among patients with chronic illnesses. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in a family practice clinic over a one-month period in 2004. Those who failed to turn up for scheduled appointments were interviewed by telephone based on a structured questionnaire. Out of 671 patients, the non-attendance rate was 16.7. Sixty-seven percent of non-attenders were successfully interviewed. Males (p=0.01), Indians (p=0.015), patients with coronary artery disease (p=0.017), multiple diseases ( >= 4) (p=0.036) and shorter appointment intervals (p=0.001) were more likely to default. The main reasons for non-attendance were: forgot the appointment dates (32.9), not feeling well (12.3), administrative errors (19.1) and work or family commitments (8.2). The majority would prefer a reminder through telephone (71.4), followed by letters (41.3). In conclusion, appropriate intervention could be taken based on the reasons identified in this study.
Keywords
Chronic illness defaulters non-attenders primary care general-practice non-attendance family-practice missed appointments care
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
18
Issue
1
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Additional Information
ISI Document Delivery No.: 138VI Times Cited: 11 Cited Reference Count: 23 Zailinawati, A. H. Ng, C. J. Nik-Sherina, H. 17th World Conference of Family Doctors Oct 13-17, 2004 Orlando, FL Asia-pacific academic consortium public health Kuala lumpur