Abstract
Aims and methodNon-attendance rates in a psychiatric out-patient clinic and the effectiveness of telephone or postal reminders in reducing non-attendance were evaluated. All patients who did not attend the clinic for their second appointment within 2 weeks were contacted by telephone or letter. Patients who failed to attend the clinic 6 weeks after the reminder were classified as non-attendees.ResultsRate of non-attendance before the intervention was 31.3% (n = 61/195). After the intervention this was reduced to 23.1%, a relative risk reduction of 26.2%. Being male, not being prescribed medicines, having a diagnosis of psychoactive substance use or dementia were risk factors for non-attendance (odds ratio, OR>1). Risk of non-attendance was low for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depressive disorder (OR <1).Clinical implicationsA simple low-cost intervention in the form of a reminder reduced non-attendance rates. Routine implementation of this intervention should be considered in all psychiatry out-patient services in low- and middle-income countries.
Highlights
Clinical implications A simple low-cost intervention in the form of a reminder reduced non-attendance rates. Routine implementation of this intervention should be considered in all psychiatry out-patient services in low- and middle-income countries
Studies have shown that a significant proportion of individuals fail to attend appointments as out-patients. This figure is higher in psychiatric services than in other services.[1,2,3,4]
Access to the clinic is by clinician referrals or direct access by patients or carers
Summary
The audit suggested improvements in patients’ perception of oral health, behaviour directed at oral hygiene and knowledge of accessing services after initiation of a dedicated in-patient dental clinic. Clinical implications Psychiatric in-patient settings may provide important opportunities for oral health promotion and intervention. This is a neglected component of in-patient care. It has long been recognised that mental illness is associated with poor physical health.[1] Oral and dental diseases are common problems for psychiatric patients,[2] and the Department of Health alerted health professionals that the oral health of individuals with severe mental illness merits particular attention.[3] Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, self-neglect, comorbid drug and alcohol use, sideeffects of psychotropic medication and lack of medical
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