Predictors for Non-Attendance of Cardiology Outpatient Appointments.

Abstract

Background: Non-attendance to cardiology outpatient appointments (COA) can prolong waiting lists, waste hospital resources and impact clinical outcomes. We sought to evaluate predictors of non-attendance to COAs. Method(s): This audit assessed attendance and non-attendance for all COAs between 2020-2023 at Northern Health, Victoria, according to appointment type and Indigenous status. Cancelled appointments were excluded from the analysis. Result(s): In total, 40,505 COAs were analysed during the study period. The overall NA of all COAs was 17% (6,906 vs 33,599). Non-attendance was highest for heart failure clinics (19%) compared to electrophysiology and general cardiology clinics (15% and 17%, p<0.001). Non-attendance was greater in first appointments, face-to-face and in patients requiring an interpreter (Table 1). Indigenous Australians demonstrated higher non-attendance for all appointment types. In particular, attendance was higher for review appointments compared to first appointments. Conclusion(s): Non-attendance to cardiology outpatient appointments is high particularly for Indigenous Australians, initial appointments and those that require an interpreter. Identifying strategies to improve patient engagement and access can reduce health inequalities and improve patient outcomes. [Formula presented]Copyright � 2024