Nonattendance in a dermatology clinic – a large sample analysis

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have described factors determining non-attendance at dermatology appointments in small sample sizes. OBJECTIVE: To perform an analysis of factors associated with non-attendance in a dermatology clinic in a larger sample. METHODS: Factors determining non-attendance were examined in 52 604 consecutive first-time visits to a dermatology clinic over a period of 44 months. RESULTS: Non-attendance proportion was 27.6%. Among children, non-attendance was associated with waiting for an appointment < 7 days odds ratio (OR), 1.44, Bedouin sector (OR, 1.30), rural Jewish sector (OR, 0.45) and the treating physician. Among adults, non-attendance was associated with female gender (OR, 1.08), age < 55 years (OR, 1.65), waiting time for an appointment < 7 days (OR, 1.44), timing of the appointment between 1 and 4 pm (OR, 1.13), Bedouin sector (OR, 1.63), rural Jewish sector (OR, 0.46) and the treating physician. CONCLUSION: Non-attendance is common among Bedouins, adult female patients and young adults and is more likely as waiting times become longer. Strategies to reduce non-attendance are needed.