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Non-attendance at psychological therapy appointments.
- Source :
- Mental Health Review Journal; 2016, Vol. 21 Issue 3, p231-248, 18p
- Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Purpose Research demonstrates that non-attendance at healthcare appointments is a waste of scarce resources; leading to reduced productivity, increased costs, disadvantaged patients through increased waiting times and demoralised staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate non-attendance and implemented interventions to improve practice.Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods service audit took place in a primary care psychological therapies service. Existing service guidelines and reporting systems were reviewed. A cross-sectional design was used to compare a year’s cohort of completers of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (n=140) and drop-outs (n=61).Findings Findings suggested contrasting guidelines and clinically inaccurate reporting systems. The overall service did not attend (DNA) rate was 8.9 per cent; well below rates suggested in the literature. The drop-out rate from CBT was 17 per cent. The most influential factor associated with CBT drop-out was the level of depression. The level of anxiety, risk ratings and deprivation scores were also different between completers and drop-outs. The main reasons given for non-attendance were forgetting, being too unwell to attend, having other priorities, or dissatisfaction with the service; again these findings were consistent with prior research.Originality/value A range of recommendations for practice are made, many of which were implemented with an associated reduction in the DNA rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13619322
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Mental Health Review Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 118049290
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-12-2015-0038