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Nonattendance in a dermatology clinic – a large sample analysis
Author(s) -
Cohen AD,
Dreiher J,
Vardy DA,
Weitzman D
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02740.x
Subject(s) - medicine , attendance , odds ratio , family medicine , odds , young adult , pediatrics , demography , gerontology , logistic regression , sociology , economics , economic growth
Background Previous studies have described factors determining non‐attendance at dermatology appointments in small sample sizes. Objective To perform an analysis of factors associated with non‐attendance in a dermatology clinic in a larger sample. Methods Factors determining non‐attendance were examined in 52 604 consecutive first‐time visits to a dermatology clinic over a period of 44 months. Results Non‐attendance proportion was 27.6%. Among children, non‐attendance was associated with waiting for an appointment < 7 days [odds ratio (OR), 1.44], Bedouin sector (OR, 1.30), rural Jewish sector (OR, 0.45) and the treating physician. Among adults, non‐attendance was associated with female gender (OR, 1.08), age < 55 years (OR, 1.65), waiting time for an appointment < 7 days (OR, 1.44), timing of the appointment between 1 and 4 pm (OR, 1.13), Bedouin sector (OR, 1.63), rural Jewish sector (OR, 0.46) and the treating physician. Conclusion Non‐attendance is common among Bedouins, adult female patients and young adults and is more likely as waiting times become longer. Strategies to reduce non‐attendance are needed.