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Lindsay C, Baruffati D, Mackenzie M, Ellis DA, Major M, O'Donnell CA, Simpson SA, Williamson AE, Wong G. Understanding the causes of missingness in primary care: a realist review. BMC Med 2024; 22:235. [PMID: 38858690 PMCID: PMC11165900 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03456-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although missed appointments in healthcare have been an area of concern for policy, practice and research, the primary focus has been on reducing single 'situational' missed appointments to the benefit of services. Little attention has been paid to the causes and consequences of more 'enduring' multiple missed appointments in primary care and the role this has in producing health inequalities. METHODS We conducted a realist review of the literature on multiple missed appointments to identify the causes of 'missingness.' We searched multiple databases, carried out iterative citation-tracking on key papers on the topic of missed appointments and identified papers through searches of grey literature. We synthesised evidence from 197 papers, drawing on the theoretical frameworks of candidacy and fundamental causation. RESULTS Missingness is caused by an overlapping set of complex factors, including patients not identifying a need for an appointment or feeling it is 'for them'; appointments as sites of poor communication, power imbalance and relational threat; patients being exposed to competing demands, priorities and urgencies; issues of travel and mobility; and an absence of choice or flexibility in when, where and with whom appointments take place. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to address missingness at policy and practice levels should be theoretically informed, tailored to patients experiencing missingness and their identified needs and barriers; be cognisant of causal domains at multiple levels and address as many as practical; and be designed to increase safety for those seeking care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Lindsay
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB, UK.
| | - David Baruffati
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB, UK
| | - Mhairi Mackenzie
- School of Social & Political Sciences, Urban Studies, University of Glasgow, 27 Bute Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8RS, UK
| | - David A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement Information, Decisions and Operations, Centre for Business Organisations and Society (CBOS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Michelle Major
- Homeless Network Scotland, 12 Commercial Rd, Adelphi Centre, Gorbals, Glasgow, G5 0PQ, UK
| | - Catherine A O'Donnell
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB, UK
| | - Sharon A Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrea E Williamson
- General Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB, UK
| | - Geoff Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Schwalbe D, Sodemann M, Iachina M, Nørgård BM, Chodkiewicz NH, Ammentorp J. Causes of Patient Nonattendance at Medical Appointments: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46227. [PMID: 37723870 PMCID: PMC10656653 DOI: 10.2196/46227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of patient appointments in Danish health care result in failures, leading to patient risk and sizable resource waste. Existing interventions to alleviate no-shows often target the patients. The underlying reason behind these interventions is a view that attendance or nonattendance is solely the patient's problem. However, these interventions often prove to be ineffective and can perpetuate social biases and health inequalities, leaving behind patients who are more vulnerable or disadvantaged (in terms of social, economical, and linguistic factors, etc). A more holistic understanding of no-shows is needed to optimize processes, reduce waste, and support patients who are vulnerable. OBJECTIVE This study aims to gain a deep and more comprehensive understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and recurring patterns and elements contributing to nonattendance at Danish hospitals in the Region of Southern Denmark. It emphasizes the patient perspective and analyzes the relational and organizational processes surrounding no-shows in health care. In addition, the study aims to identify effective communicative strategies and organizational processes that can support the development and implementation of successful interventions. METHODS The study uses mixed quantitative-qualitative methods, encompassing 4 analytical projects focusing on nonattendance patterns, patient knowledge and behavior, the management of hospital appointments, and in situ communication. To address the complexity of no-shows in health care, the study incorporates various data sources. The quantitative data sources include the electronic patient records, Danish central registries, Danish National Patient Registry, and Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Baseline characteristics of patients at different levels are compared using chi-square tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The qualitative studies involve observational data, individual semistructured interviews with patients and practitioners, and video recordings of patient consultations. RESULTS This paper presents the protocol of the study, which was funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in July 2022. Recruitment started in February 2023. It is anticipated that the quantitative data analysis will be completed by the end of September 2023, with the qualitative investigation starting in October 2023. The first study findings are anticipated to be available by the end of 2024. CONCLUSIONS The existing studies of nonattendance in Danish health care are inadequate in addressing relational and organizational factors leading to hospital no-shows. Interventions have had limited effect, highlighting the Danish health care system's failure to accommodate patients who are vulnerable. Effective interventions require a qualitative approach and robust ethnographic data to supplement the description and categorization of no-shows at hospitals. Obtaining comprehensive knowledge about the causes of missed patient appointments will yield practical benefits, enhancing the safety, coherence, and quality of treatment in health care. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/46227.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Schwalbe
- Centre for Patient Communication (CFPK), Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Culture and the Mind (DNRF Centre of Excellence), Department of English, German and Romance Studies, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Sodemann
- The Migrant Health Outpatient Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Studies, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Iachina
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nina Høy Chodkiewicz
- Centre for Patient Communication (CFPK), Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jette Ammentorp
- Centre for Patient Communication (CFPK), Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Tong CYM, Koh RYV, Lee ES. A scoping review on the factors associated with the lost to follow-up (LTFU) amongst patients with chronic disease in ambulatory care of high-income countries (HIC). BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:883. [PMID: 37608296 PMCID: PMC10464417 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09863-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of long term follow-up care for patients with chronic disease, many patients fail to adhere to their follow-ups, which increase their risk of further health complications. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to find out the factors associated with lost to follow-up (LTFU) amongst patients with chronic disease in the ambulatory care setting of high-income countries (HICs) to gain insights for better quality of care. Understanding the definition of LTFU is imperative in informing patients, health professionals and researchers for clinical and research purposes. This review also provided an overview of the terms and definitions used to describe LTFU. METHODS The following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies investigating the factors associated to LTFU from the date of inception until 07 January 2022. RESULTS Five thousand one hundred and seven records were obtained across the databases and 3,416 articles were screened after removing the duplicates. 25 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 17 were cohort studies, five were cross-sectional studies and three were case-control studies. A total of 32 factors were found to be associated with LTFU and they were categorised into patient factors, clinical factors and healthcare provider factors. CONCLUSION Overall, the factors associated with LTFU were generally inconsistent across studies. However, some factors such as financial factors (i.e., no insurance coverage) and low accessibility of care were consistently associated with LTFU for both mental and physical chronic conditions. The operational definitions of LTFU also varied greatly across studies. Given the mixed findings, future research using qualitative aproaches would be pivotal in understanding LTFU for specific chronic diseases and the development of targeted interventions. Additionally, there is a need to standardise the operational definition of LTFU for research as well as clinical practice purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eng Sing Lee
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Sun CA, Taylor K, Levin S, Renda SM, Han HR. Factors associated with missed appointments by adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2021; 9:9/1/e001819. [PMID: 33674280 PMCID: PMC7938983 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Keeping regular medical appointments is a key indicator of patient engagement in diabetes care. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) miss their regular medical appointments. In order to prevent and delay diabetes-related complications, it is essential to understand the factors associated with missed appointments among adults with T2DM. We synthesized evidence concerning factors associated with missed appointments among adults with T2DM. Using five electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and Web of Science, a systematic literature search was done to identify studies that describe factors related to missed appointments by adults with T2DM. A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies included in this review were cohort studies using medical records. While more than half of the studies were of high quality, the operational definitions of missed appointments varied greatly across studies. Factors associated with missed appointments were categorized as patient characteristics, healthcare system and provider factors and interpersonal factors with inconsistent findings. Patient characteristics was the most commonly addressed category, followed by health system and provider factors. Only three studies addressed interpersonal factors, two of which were qualitative. An increasing number of people live with one or more chronic conditions which require more careful attention to patient-centered care and support. Future research is warranted to address interpersonal factors from patient perspectives to better understand the underlying causes of missed appointments among adults with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-An Sun
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn Taylor
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Scott Levin
- Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Health Sciences Informatics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan M Renda
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hae-Ra Han
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ramke J, Jordan V, Vincent AL, Harwood M, Murphy R, Ameratunga S. Diabetic eye disease and screening attendance by ethnicity in New Zealand: A systematic review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 47:937-947. [PMID: 31034719 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To examine differences in incidence, prevalence and screening for diabetic retinopathy in New Zealand, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL up to 6 December 2018 for observational studies reporting diabetic eye disease or attendance at retinal screening, disaggregated by ethnicity. Two authors separately screened and selected studies, and extracted data. None of the 11 included studies reported data on visual impairment from diabetic retinopathy. All nine studies reporting diabetic eye disease by ethnicity found Pacific people and Māori had higher rates of sight-threatening disease and lower rates of screening attendance compared to Europeans. Data for Asian people were infrequently reported, but when they were, they also fared worse than Europeans. This review highlights that equity-focused strategies are needed to address ethnic disparities in eye health among New Zealanders with diabetes. The review also identifies how research methods can be strengthened to enable future calculation of robust disease prevalence estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ramke
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea L Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matire Harwood
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rinki Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shanthi Ameratunga
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lee RRS, Samsudin MI, Thirumoorthy T, Low LL, Kwan YH. Factors affecting follow-up non-attendance in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension: a systematic review. Singapore Med J 2019; 60:216-223. [PMID: 31187148 PMCID: PMC6535449 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This is a systematic review of the factors and reasons associated with follow-up non-attendance (FUNA) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in an outpatient setting. We performed a systematic literature search using electronic databases and related keywords with the PRISMA-P checklist, focusing on the factors, types of studies and number of studies that showed a positive, negative or neutral association with FUNA. Data was presented in three categories: patient, disease and medication, and healthcare provider factors. In total, 4,822 articles were reviewed. Among the 24 articles that were relevant to the stated objective, 83 factors were found to be associated with FUNA. A target-board model for FUNA was presented for clinicians to better understand the various aspects contributing to and implications involved in FUNA. Greater awareness and understanding of the multifactorial nature of FUNA and taking a multifaceted approach are important to effectively reduce this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lian Leng Low
- Department of Family Medicine and Continuing Care, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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