What went wrong?: Patient reasons for nonattendance at Women’s health physiotherapy

Abstract

Nonattendance at women’s health physiotherapy sessions involves considerable cost in time and resources. Uncovering factors associated with nonattendance is one priority, and the current research aimed to enhance understanding of this issue. In each of two studies, women referred for women’s health physiotherapy were interviewed. Study 1 (N = 80) compared participants who did and did not attend their appointment, and Study 2 (N = 61) compared reasons for nonattendance given by women with pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction and pelvic girdle pain. The results corroborated several key issues associated with nonattendance noted in previous reports, such as problems in the administration of appointments. Results further suggested attention to the information given by healthcare professionals at the time of referral may help remove some barriers to attendance. The issue of transport to appointments was raised, and developing links to affordable and reliable systems is critical, including development of dedicated transport systems. Finally, the psychological aspects of patients who do not attend appeared to differ and addressing these issues could form part of their treatment. Although each recommendation does involve cost, the savings from reduction in nonattendance may outweigh any initial costs of set up.