Determinants of Patient No-Shows in a Multisite Urogynecology Clinic [ID: 1376316]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients who “no-show” urogynecology appointments and identify risk factors for “no-show” appointments. METHODS: We conducted an IRB-approved prospective chart review study of women aged 18 years or older scheduled for a urogynecology appointment at four outpatient clinical sites associated with an urban academic tertiary care referral center over 4 months. Patients were included in the no-show group if they did not show up for their appointment or cancelled their appointment the same day. For a comparison group, the patient immediately prior to or after the one who “no-showed” with the same visit type was included. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for “no-show” appointments. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-six women were included, 213 in both the no-show and show groups. Women who “no-showed” were younger (median age 60 [interquartile range (IQR) 47–72] versus 69 [IQR 59–78], P <.001). More women in the no-show group were Hispanic (24.4% versus 13.1%) and non-Hispanic Black (7.51% versus 3.76%, P =.0093), had Medicaid (17.4% versus 6.57%, P =.0006), no-showed a previous appointment (24.9% versus 11.7% P =.0005), had to wait longer for an appointment (median 39 days [IQR 23.5–55.5] versus 30.5 days [IQR 12.8–47.0], P =.002), and made appointments for urinary incontinence (44.1% versus 26.8%, P =.0002). On multivariate logistic regression, women with Medicaid had significantly higher odds of “no-showing” their appointment (adjusted odds ratio, 2.11 [1.04–4.48], P =.0440). CONCLUSION: Women with Medicaid are particularly likely to “no-show” urogynecology appointments. Further research is needed to identify and address potential barriers this group faces when accessing care.