The underlying causes of missed medical appointments by people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) ‘must be tackled’, after research revealed some of the most common reasons for last-minute cancellations and no-shows.
Statistics show that people with MS who miss more than 20 per cent of appointments over a two year period will have lower rates of sticking with their medication.
And now, through new research, the reasons for lack of attendance have been examined through a study.
Researchers examined a total of 1,600 appointments booked by 100 participants at three clinics in Connecticut aged between 21 and 74 with MS – overall, 87 per cent were attended, while nine per cent were short notice cancellations and three per cent were no-shows.
Short-notice cancellations were tied to appointment-related factors such as the season, day of the week, or time of day, researchers said.
The highest number occurred during the winter, a season in which snowfall can impact travel. About 23 per cent were attributed to the weather. They were also more common on Thursdays and less likely early in the day.
However, no-shows were associated with different factors. Those included lower income levels, weaker healthcare provider relationships, and higher levels of neuroticism, depressive symptoms, and health distress overall, as well as greater cognitive difficulties, particularly with prospective memory – the ability to remember to complete planned intentions.
The research team has urged action to help support people in attending their appointments, in light of some root causes being identified.
“These findings highlight potential targets for reducing the number of missed appointments in the clinic, providing opportunities for improved healthcare efficiency and most importantly, health,” noted the authors.
Several other medical conditions have benefited from strategies to address treatment adherence, the authors noted, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), for which case managers have been used to identify barriers and address them prior to the scheduled appointment.
In other populations, text messages and phone call reminders, psychoeducation, and active commitments have been used.
The study was led by Elizabeth S. Gromisch, Trinity Health of New England’s Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and Neuroscience Research, and Sarah A. Raskin, Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity College.
