Causes, impacts and possible mitigation of non-attendance of appointments within the National Health Service: a literature review

Provider Perspectives on the Need for Child Care Assistance During Veteran Health Care Appointments

BACKGROUND

Lack of child care is a primary cause of delayed care in the United States for individuals caring for children, including Veterans. Given the substantial barriers to child care, children frequently accompany their guardians to health care appointments. Data from patients suggests that the presence of children can be distracting for the patient, but literature exploring the perspectives of providers is scant.

OBJECTIVE

To examine provider perspectives on how the presence of children during health care visits impacts the care experience for both providers and Veterans, with the goal of informing future child care assistance programs.

DESIGN

Qualitative study design.

PARTICIPANTS

The study participants included a national convenience sample of 10 cross-specialty clinicians who provide care for Veterans within the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) health care system.

APPROACH

We conducted semi-structured interviews delivered over the telephone. Interview topics explored clinician experiences with children during Veteran health care visits on quality of care, access to care, ability to discuss sensitive topics or perform sensitive exams, and patient-provider communication.

KEY RESULTS

Providers describe how inadequate child care impedes Veteran's access to health care. Furthermore, providers reported that the presence of children during Veteran health care visits decreases the quality of care, negatively impacts patient-provider communication, and increases the burden on other patients and medical staff. For example, providers reported that the presence of children in the exam may reduce the Veteran's and provider's willingness to discuss sensitive topics and perform sensitive procedures, which can lead to delayed care and impede patient-provider relationship building.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the negative consequences of inadequate child care during medical appointments, health care systems can and should explore programs, such as providing child care assistance to patients. While this practice is not widespread, several health systems, including the VHA, are implementing such programs.

Using quality improvement methodology to reduce Did Not Attends in healthcare within a UK prison

BACKGROUND

His Majesty's Prison East Sutton Park is an open prison and young offender institution for women in Maidstone, England. In 2022, it developed a high Did Not Attend (DNA) rate of 21% per week across all five core healthcare clinics. Services with a high DNA rate increase waiting times for other patients, increase cost wastage and reduce efficiency and resource management. DNAs occur across all parts of the National Health Service with different levels of severity; however, DNAs within a prison create a unique challenge not shared with community services due to the setting. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce and sustain a below 10% DNA rate.

METHODS

The healthcare team worked in partnership with the prison to develop a quality improvement project using the Model for Improvement, which had a clear aim, measures and change ideas tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. The outcome measures were plotted using Statistical Process Control charts to highlight and track the improvements.

RESULTS

There was an 86% decrease in DNAs across all five core healthcare clinics. The overall DNA rate was reduced from a pre-intervention rate of 21% per week to 3% per week post-intervention. Clinical time wasted decreased by 76% from a pre-intervention of 284 minutes per week to 66 minutes per week post-intervention. Cost wastage for missed appointments decreased by 67% from a pre-intervention of £303 per week to £99 per week post-intervention. These core outcome measures have been sustained for more than 35 weeks (August 2023 to April 2024) and continue to be sustained.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing standard processes and systematic change ideas, including developing partnership working with the prison and better engagement with patients, led to a significant and sustained reduction in DNAs. During the project time frame, there was also no change in the number of patient complaints about healthcare.

The Influence of Structural Factors and Telemedicine on Missed Appointments Among Medicaid-Insured Patients

BACKGROUND

Missed clinic appointments disproportionately affect Medicaid-insured patients and residents of socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods. The role of the recent telemedicine expansion in reducing these disparities is unclear. We analyzed the relationship between census tract (CT) poverty level, residential segregation, missed appointments, and the role of telemedicine.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records (EHR) data merged with population datasets and restricted to adult patients (≥ 18 years) with completed or missed internal or family medicine outpatient clinic visits (03/2020-12/2022). Using generalized estimating equations, we analyzed the association between missed appointments, CT poverty level, CT residential segregation (operationalized using the isolation index), and appointment modality.

RESULTS

Sample size was 125,229 appointments for 68,471 unique patients (Hispanic [46.6%], White [9.4%], Black [18.7%], Asian [2.6%], Native American [1.9%], and "other race/ethnicity" [0.8%]; 18-39 years [38.2%], 40-64 years [56.4%], and > = 65 years [5.36]). There was an increased likelihood of missed appointments with increasing Hispanic isolation index (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.23) and decreased likelihood with increasing Black isolation index (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.61, 0.83). The protective effect of telemedicine on missed appointments decreased with increasing Black and Hispanic isolation index.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that further studies are needed to understand the potential impact of telemedicine on healthcare use inequities among residents of residentially segregated areas. Targeted interventions that aim to identify and address structural factors that could limit the benefits of telemedicine use are also needed.

Retrospective chart review of venous thromboembolism incidence and management in rural patients undergoing varicose vein treatment

PURPOSE

Determine the rate of incidence, risk factors, and management for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for varicose veins.

METHODS

All charts of patients undergoing venous ablation from 2016 to 2023 were reviewed at a rural vein treatment clinic. The incidence of VTE was noted and a chart review was completed to identify risk factors for VTE, EHIT score, EFIT score, and management.

RESULTS

Patients underwent 14,172 UGFS procedures and 4865 RFAs. VTE was noted in 45 patients (0.24%), with no pulmonary embolisms and no fatal outcomes among the patient population. Patients diagnosed with VTE had a median CEAP score of 3 and a modified Caprini risk score of 7.2. Increased risk of VTE was noted in patients with prior history of DVT, patients undergoing UGFS, patients with higher Caprini scores. 90% of patients diagnosed with VTE had a prior history of DVT (p < 0.05). Patients who received UGFS treatments had a higher modified Caprini Risk Score than patients who received an RFA and UGFS, 8.7 and 6.8 respectively (p < 0.05). Increased risk of VTE was noted in patients with swollen legs prior to treatment (0.92%), visible varicose veins (0.92%), obesity (0.49%), and surgery within the prior 3 months to vein treatment (0.41%).

CONCLUSION

The modified Caprini score is a useful tool for risk stratification for VTE and its incidence is low for patients undergoing RFA and UGFS. Prior history of VTE represents a significant risk for recurrence in patients undergoing RFA and UGFS.

Experiences and Views of Older Adults of South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean Backgrounds About the Digitalization of Primary Care Services Since the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Focus Group Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022 prompted governments worldwide to enforce lockdowns and social restrictions, alongside the rapid adoption of digital health and care services. However, there are concerns about the potential exclusion of older adults, who face barriers to digital inclusion, such as age, socioeconomic status, literacy level, and ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the experiences of older adults from the 3 largest minoritized ethnic groups in England and Wales-people of South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean backgrounds-in the use of digitalized primary care services since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In total, 27 individuals participated in 4 focus groups (April and May 2023) either in person or via online videoconferencing. Patient and public involvement and engagement were sought through collaboration with community organizations for focus group recruitment and feedback on the topic guide. Data were analyzed using framework analysis.

RESULTS

This paper summarizes the perspectives of 27 older adults from these 3 minoritized ethnic groups and identifies four key themes: (1) service accessibility through digital health (participants faced difficulties accessing digital health care services through online platforms, primarily due to language barriers and limited digital skills, with reliance on younger family members or community organizations for assistance; the lack of digital literacy among older community members was a prominent concern, and digital health care services were felt to be tailored for English speakers, with minimal consultation during the development phase), (2) importance of face-to-face (in-person) appointments for patient-clinician interactions (in-person appointments were strongly preferred, emphasizing the value of physical interaction and connection with health care professionals; video consultations were seen as an acceptable alternative), (3) stressors caused by the shift to remote access (the transition to remote digital access caused stress, fear, and anxiety; participants felt that digital health solutions were imposed without sufficient explanation or consent; and Black African and Caribbean participants reported experiences of racial discrimination within the health care system), and (4) digital solutions (evaluating technology acceptance; participants acknowledged the importance of digitalization but cautioned against viewing it as a one-size-fits-all solution; they advocated for offline alternatives and a hybrid approach, emphasizing the need for choice and a well-staffed clinical workforce).

CONCLUSIONS

Digital health initiatives should address the digital divide, health inequalities, and the specific challenges faced by older adults, particularly those from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, ensuring accessibility, choice, and privacy. Overcoming language barriers involves more than mere translation. Maintaining in-person options for consultations, addressing sensitive issues, and implementing support systems at the practice level to support those struggling to access services are vital. This study recommends that policy makers ensure the inclusivity of older adults from diverse backgrounds in the design and implementation of digital health and social care services.

Factors influencing multiple non-utilised healthcare appointments from patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives: a qualitative systematic review of the global literature

BACKGROUND

The term 'non-utilised appointments' emerged in 2019 but lacks a clear definition. We focus on multiple non-utilised appointments owing to recent advances in understanding 'missingness' in UK health care. Studies on missed appointments show conflicting results regarding interventions such as text messaging owing to oversight of occasional versus repeated missed appointments. Understanding patient and healthcare-related factors in multiple non-utilised appointments is crucial for improving interventions and patient engagement.

AIM

To identify factors influencing multiple non-utilised appointments from patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives.

DESIGN & SETTING

A systematic review of qualitative research identifying factors that influence multiple non-utilised appointments across diverse global healthcare settings.

METHOD

The review employed a qualitative systematic approach, encompassing diverse papers from multiple databases, irrespective of patient or healthcare provider age, location, or setting. Data analysis followed Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis method. Themes are presented in alignment with both the health service and patient perspective aspects of the Levesque access model.

RESULTS

Ten thousand and eighty-six records were retrieved. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Six key themes influenced appointment utilisation. Healthcare system determinants highlighted provider-patient relationship and professionalism, and healthcare organisation factors role in appointment utilisation. Patient experience and decision making explored personal factors. Additionally, communication, support, and engagement delved into challenges with communication and language, family and social support, and socio-familial barriers to appointment utilisation. Health and wellbeing factors encompassed medical conditions, mental and emotional factors, and psychosocial determinants affecting appointment utilisation. Moreover, financial constraints and socioeconomic factors were identified as significant contributors. Lastly, healthcare access and barriers addressed transportation challenges, accessibility issues, and geographical barriers impacting healthcare access.

CONCLUSION

The analysis reveals complex factors influencing multiple non-utilised appointments. Strong provider-patient relationships improve care accessibility. Flexible scheduling and patient-centred approaches are pivotal, alongside addressing workplace discrimination. Tailored healthcare services and overcoming geographical barriers are essential. Ensuring safety, accessibility, and communication, while supporting vulnerable groups and mental health needs, are necessary. Equitable access to services and alternative transportation solutions are essential for comprehensive healthcare delivery.

A realist review of the causes of, and current interventions to address 'missingness' in health care

Background

This protocol describes a realist review exploring the problem of "missingness" in healthcare, defined as the repeated tendency not to take up offers of care that has a negative impact on the person and their life chances. More specifically, the review looks at the phenomenon of patients missing multiple appointments in primary care in the UK - at the causal factors that influence how patients come to be "missing" in this way, and what interventions might support uptake and "presence" in healthcare. Background research informing this project suggests that a high rate of missed appointments predicted high premature death rates, and patients were more likely to have multiple long-term health conditions and experience significant socioeconomic disadvantage. Most research in this field focuses on population- or service-level characteristics of patients who miss appointments, often making no distinction between causes of single missed appointments and of multiple missed appointments. There have therefore been no interventions for 'missingness', accounting for the complex life circumstances or common mechanisms that cause people to repeatedly miss appointments.

Methods

We use a realist review approach to explore what causes missingness - and what might prevent or address it - for whom, and in what circumstances. The review uses an iterative approach of database searching, citation-tracking and sourcing grey literature, with selected articles providing insight into the causal dynamics underpinning missed appointments and the interventions designed to address them.

Discussion

The findings of this review will be combined with the findings of a qualitative empirical study and the contributions of a Stakeholder Advisory Group (STAG) to inform the development of a programme theory that seeks to explain how missingness occurs, whom it affects and under what circumstances. This will be used to develop a complex intervention to address multiple missed appointments in primary care.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42022346006.

Telemedicine Reduces Missed Appointments but Disparities Persist

INTRODUCTION

Missed appointments also known as no-shows adversely affect clinical outcomes, clinic efficiency, and quality of care and have been attributed to barriers such as work schedule conflicts and lack of transportation. The widespread telemedicine implementation and adoption that has occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to address these barriers and improve missed appointment rates. This study aims to analyze the relationship between telemedicine and missed appointments.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records data from a safety-net academic health center with federally qualified clinics (March 2020-December 2022). Bivariate and multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the relationship between no-show and appointment type (in-person versus telemedicine appointment). Stratified adjusted regression analyses were used to calculate the average change in the marginal effect of telemedicine appointments on no-shows across covariates. The data were analyzed from September 2023 to October 2023.

RESULTS

Hispanic patients accounted for 60% of the 474,212 appointments, followed by non-Hispanic White (22.5%), non-Hispanic Black (13.3%), Asian (2.7%), Native American (1%), and other race/ethnicity patients (0.6%). The no-show rate for telemedicine appointments was 12% compared with 25% for in-person appointments. Multivariable analysis showed that telemedicine appointment was associated with a decreased likelihood of no-show compared with in-person appointments (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.40, 0.41). The average change in the marginal effect of telemedicine appointments on the reduction of no-shows across race/ethnicity was greatest for Native American and non-Hispanic Black patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine appointments were associated with a decreased likelihood of no-shows, and the protective effect of telemedicine appointments on missed appointments was greatest for underserved groups. Strategies to increase telemedicine uptake, especially for underserved groups, are critical.

Real-time video telerehabilitation shows comparable satisfaction and similar or better attendance and adherence compared with in-person physiotherapy: a systematic review

QUESTION

How does physiotherapy delivered by real-time, video-based telerehabilitation compare with in-person delivery for the outcomes of attendance, adherence and satisfaction?

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomised control trials indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane and PEDro on 12 March 2024.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged > 18 years.

INTERVENTION

Physiotherapy delivered via real-time video telerehabilitation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Attendance, adherence and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included for attendance (n = 1,110), nine studies for adherence (n = 1,190) and 12 studies for satisfaction (n = 1,247). Telerehabilitation resulted in attendance at treatment sessions that was 8% higher (95% CI -1 to 18) and adherence to exercise programs that was 9% higher (95% CI 2 to 16) when compared with in-person physiotherapy. Satisfaction was similar with both modes of delivery (SMD 0.03 in favour of telerehabilitation, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.28). The level of certainty assessed by GRADE ranged from very low to low, primarily due to inconsistency and high risk of bias.

DISCUSSION

Attendance at appointments among participants assigned to telerehabilitation was somewhere between similar to and considerably higher than among control participants. Adherence to self-management with telerehabilitation was better than with in-person delivery, although with some uncertainty about the magnitude of the effect. Reported satisfaction levels were similar between the two modes of treatment delivery. Given the significance of attendance, adherence and satisfaction for successful outcomes, telerehabilitation offers a valuable alternative mode for physiotherapy delivery.

CONCLUSION

Real-time telerehabilitation has potentially favourable effects on attendance at treatment appointments and adherence to exercise programs, with similar satisfaction when compared with traditional in-person physiotherapy.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022329906.

Understanding the causes of missingness in primary care: a realist review

BACKGROUND

Although missed appointments in healthcare have been an area of concern for policy, practice and research, the primary focus has been on reducing single 'situational' missed appointments to the benefit of services. Little attention has been paid to the causes and consequences of more 'enduring' multiple missed appointments in primary care and the role this has in producing health inequalities.

METHODS

We conducted a realist review of the literature on multiple missed appointments to identify the causes of 'missingness.' We searched multiple databases, carried out iterative citation-tracking on key papers on the topic of missed appointments and identified papers through searches of grey literature. We synthesised evidence from 197 papers, drawing on the theoretical frameworks of candidacy and fundamental causation.

RESULTS

Missingness is caused by an overlapping set of complex factors, including patients not identifying a need for an appointment or feeling it is 'for them'; appointments as sites of poor communication, power imbalance and relational threat; patients being exposed to competing demands, priorities and urgencies; issues of travel and mobility; and an absence of choice or flexibility in when, where and with whom appointments take place.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions to address missingness at policy and practice levels should be theoretically informed, tailored to patients experiencing missingness and their identified needs and barriers; be cognisant of causal domains at multiple levels and address as many as practical; and be designed to increase safety for those seeking care.

Identifying barriers to outpatient appointment attendance in patient groups at risk of inequity: a mixed methods study in a London NHS trust

BACKGROUND

There is significant health inequity in the United Kingdom (U.K.), with different populations facing challenges accessing health services, which can impact health outcomes. At one London National Health Service (NHS) Trust, data showed that patients from deprived areas and minority ethnic groups had a higher likelihood of missing their first outpatient appointment. This study's objectives were to understand barriers to specific patient populations attending first outpatient appointments, explore systemic factors and assess appointment awareness.

METHODS

Five high-volume specialties identified as having inequitable access based on ethnicity and deprivation were selected as the study setting. Mixed methods were employed to understand barriers to outpatient attendance, including qualitative semi-structured interviews with patients and staff, observations of staff workflows and interrogation of quantitative data on appointment communication. To identify barriers, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who missed their appointment and were from a minority ethnic group or deprived area. Staff interviews and observations were carried out to further understand attendance barriers. Patient interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis to create a thematic framework and triangulated with staff data. Subthemes were mapped onto a behavioural science framework highlighting behaviours that could be targeted. Quantitative data from patient interviews were analysed to assess appointment awareness and communication.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients and 11 staff were interviewed, with four staff observed. Seven themes were identified as barriers - communication factors, communication methods, healthcare system, system errors, transport, appointment, and personal factors. Knowledge about appointments was an important identified behaviour, supported by eight out of 26 patients answering that they were unaware of their missed appointment. Environmental context and resources were other strongly represented behavioural factors, highlighting systemic barriers that prevent attendance.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the barriers preventing patients from minority ethnic groups or living in deprived areas from attending their outpatient appointment. These barriers included communication factors, communication methods, healthcare the system, system errors, transport, appointment, and personal factors. Healthcare services should acknowledge this and work with public members from these communities to co-design solutions supporting attendance. Our work provides a basis for future intervention design, informed by behavioural science and community involvement.

Do Socioeconomic Inequalities Exist Within Ophthalmology and Orthoptics in the UK?: A Scoping Review

Introduction

It is well documented that socioeconomic disadvantage adversely affects general health and ocular health worldwide. Within orthoptics, while clinicians recognise a relationship between socioeconomic situation and treatment outcome, no previous literature review was found to address this issue. Neither was a UK-specific literature review found to address the same issue for ophthalmology as a whole.

Aim

This literature review evaluates evidence for an association between socioeconomic situation and ophthalmic/orthoptic conditions and their treatment outcomes, specifically within the UK.

Methods

Keyword searches were conducted on Google Scholar and the University of Liverpool library catalogue. Results for the main analyses were limited to full papers, specific to the UK, written in English. Literature was only included from pre-2000 if more recent evidence was insufficient.

Results

There is evidence of socioeconomic disadvantage being associated with the following: reduced visual acuity; reduced attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening appointments; and delayed presentation of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. However, evidence linking socioeconomic disadvantage to AMD is mixed. There is limited evidence of the increased prevalence of amblyopia and subsequent barriers to its treatment for socioeconomically underserved children. There is also evidence of a reduction in quality of life for socioeconomically underserved adults with strabismus.

Conclusions

Health inequalities within ophthalmology and orthoptics are reported, but with confounding results for some conditions. Further research should explore the reasons behind the inequalities that are found and identify methods of reducing them.

Attendance at remote versus in-person outpatient appointments in an NHS Trust

INTRODUCTION

With the growing use of remote appointments within the National Health Service, there is a need to understand potential barriers of access to care for some patients. In this observational study, we examined missed appointments rates, comparing remote and in-person appointments among different patient groups.

METHODS

We analysed adult outpatient appointments at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in Northwest London in 2021. Rates of missed appointments per patient were compared between remote versus in-person appointments using negative binomial regression models. Models were stratified by appointment type (first or a follow-up).

RESULTS

There were 874,659 outpatient appointments for 189,882 patients, 29.5% of whom missed at least one appointment. Missed rates were 12.5% for remote first appointments and 9.2% for in-person first appointments. Remote and in-person follow-up appointments were missed at similar rates (10.4% and 10.7%, respectively). For remote and in-person appointments, younger patients, residents of more deprived areas, and patients of Black, Mixed and 'other' ethnicities missed more appointments. Male patients missed more in-person appointments, particularly at younger ages, but gender differences were minimal for remote appointments. Patients with long-term conditions (LTCs) missed more first appointments, whether in-person or remote. In follow-up appointments, patients with LTCs missed more in-person appointments but fewer remote appointments.

DISCUSSION

Remote first appointments were missed more often than in-person first appointments, follow-up appointments had similar attendance rates for both modalities. Sociodemographic differences in outpatient appointment attendance were largely similar between in-person and remote appointments, indicating no widening of inequalities in attendance due to appointment modality.

Impacts of health insurance on tympanostomy tube outcomes in the pediatric population

OBJECTIVES

Tympanostomy tube (TT) placement is a common surgical procedure for treating pediatric patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) with or without recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM). Prior work suggests children from low-income families face significant disparities in access to care for rAOM or COME. The impact of these health disparities in the care of children with rAOM or COME has yet to be investigated in a state with an expanded public health insurance model. We seek to examine differences in care for patients with rAOM and COME based on insurance status and socioeconomic status (SES) in Massachusetts.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 560 pediatric patients referred for TT insertion at a tertiary academic medical center between 2017 and 2019. Demographic data collected included age, ethnicity, insurance type (public, private, none) and zip code. Otologic history collected included prior AOM episodes, time to postoperative follow-up, postoperative "no-show" appointments, and number of postoperative audiograms. Multinomial logistic regression was used to isolate the effects of race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

We found no major differences in preoperative outcome measures between cohorts. Postoperatively, public insurance was independently associated with decreased odds of undergoing an audiogram (OR 0.35, 95% Cl 0.16-0.76) and increased odds of "no-showing" for an appointment (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8-5.3). SES was not independently associated with differences in postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In a state with an early expanded public health insurance model, access to care for rAOM and COME is comparable despite differences in insurance type and SES. However, enrollment in public health insurance is associated with worse measures of follow up care. Despite improvements in access to care with expanded health insurance models, retention continues to be a challenge for vulnerable populations.

Preventing lost-to-follow up diagnostic imaging in ambulatory care: evaluation of an electronic notification tool

OBJECTIVE

Missed or cancelled imaging tests may be invisible to the ordering clinician and result in diagnostic delay. We developed an outpatient results notification tool (ORNT) to alert physicians of patients' missed radiology studies.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled evaluation of a quality improvement intervention.

SETTING

23 primary care and subspecialty ambulatory clinics at an urban academic medical centre.

PARTICIPANTS

276 physicians randomised to intervention or usual care.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

90-day test completion of missed imaging tests.

RESULTS

We included 3675 radiology tests in our analysis: 1769 ordered in the intervention group and 1906 in the usual care group. A higher per cent of studies were completed for intervention compared with usual care groups in CT (20.7% vs 15.3%, p=0.06), general radiology (19.6% vs 12.0%, p=0.02) and, in aggregate, across all modalities (18.1% vs 16.1%, p=0.03). In the multivariable regression model adjusting for sex, age and insurance type and accounting for clustering with random effects at the level of the physician, the intervention group had a 36% greater odds of test completion than the usual care group (OR: 1.36 (1.097-1.682), p=0.005). In the Cox regression model, patients in the intervention group were 1.32 times more likely to complete their test in a timely fashion (HR: 1.32 (1.10-1.58), p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

An electronic alert that notified the responsible clinician of a missed imaging test ordered in an ambulatory clinic reduced the number of incomplete tests at 90 days. Further study of the obstacles to completing recommended diagnostic testing may allow for the development of better tools to support busy clinicians and their patients and reduce the risk of diagnostic delays.

Patient's attitudes and perceptions around attending oncology consultations following surgery for colorectal cancer: A qualitative study

Background: The oncology consultation following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is usually the first step in the receipt of chemotherapy. Non-compliance with this consultation results in non-receipt of recommended chemotherapy, when appropriate, and worse clinical outcomes. This study sought to explore South African patients' attitudes and perceptions around attending scheduled oncology consultations following their CRC surgery. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients who had surgery for CRC at a quaternary South African hospital and who had to decide whether they would return for an oncology consultation. The "Model of health services use" informed the design of the interview guide, which included questions on factors that impact health seeking behavior. Demographics of participants, CRC disease stage, and compliance with scheduled oncology consultations were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, while deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Results: Seven participants were interviewed. The median age was 60.0 years and four participants (57.1%) were female. Black African, White, and Asian participants accounted for 85.7% of the study sample. Most participants had stage III CRC (71.4%). The oncology consultation no-show rate was 14.3%. Participant's knowledge and beliefs around CRC proved to be an important predisposing factor that influenced follow-up decisions. Family support and religion were cited as important enabling factors. Travel costs to the hospital and frustrations related to the clinic appointment booking/scheduling process were cited as important disabling factors. Lastly, the participant's self-perceived need for additional oncology care also appeared to influence their decision to return for ongoing oncology consultation after the initial surgery. Conclusion: Several contextual factors can potentially influence a patient's compliance with a scheduled oncology consultation following CRC surgery. A multipronged approach which addresses these factors is required to improve compliance with oncology consultations.