The effect of patient reminders in reducing missed appointment in medical settings: a systematic review

Abstract

Missed appointments are a problem to healthcare professionals worldwide. There is up to nearly 42% missed appointment rate in medical setting globally. Reducing missed appointment rates improves the efficiency of health services and health outcomes of patients. Missed appointment rates can be reduced by reminding patients about their medical appointments in advance. A simple way of doing this is via electronic notification to the patients´ phones. The aim of this paper is to review the effect of patient reminders in reducing missed appointment rates. The methodology was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Literature search was conducted extensively using Google Scholar and PubMed databases based on terms such as cell phone reminders, electronic notification reminders, missed appointment rates, clinic attendance and SMS reminders. Geographical and publication biases were assessed. The result of the review showed that 95% studies reviewed reported a positive effect of patient reminders on appointment rates, with an average of 41% reduction in missed appointment rates and 34% increase in clinic attendance rates in all the studies. The review revealed that patient reminders reduce missed appointment rates and improve clinic attendance rates. Multiple reminders produce better outcomes. Reducing missed appointment rates also improve the efficiency of health care facilities.