A case-control study of GP and patient-related variables associated with non-attendance at new psychiatric out-patient appointments

Abstract

This case-control study of 50 attenders and 46 defaulters at first psychiatric out-patient appointments examined patient and GP-related factors in relation to non-attendance. A history of behavioural difficulties (such as substance abuse, legal problems or self-harm) and the absence of a clear psychiatric diagnosis were associated with non-attendance. Patients referred by fund-holding GPs were more likely to keep their appointment than those referred by non-fund-holding GPs. However, a strong association between the presence of current social and relationship problems, and nonattendance, overshadowed the other predictors. The results suggest that there is a group of patients with minor psychiatric morbidity who, while in need of psychiatric help, are unable to make use of conventional psychiatric services.