Benchmarking non-attendance patterns in paediatric medical imaging: A retrospective cohort study spotlighting First Nations children
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.002
In today’s healthcare landscape, ensuring patients attend their scheduled appointments is crucial for effective treatment and management. However, a recent study conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Australia in collaboration with QUT researchers sheds light on the issue of patient non-attendance, particularly in the context of medical imaging appointments for children. Let’s delve into the key findings and implications of this research.
Unveiling the Findings
The research, which analysed data from 17,962 scheduled outpatient appointments, revealed several significant insights:
- Demographic Disparities: Non-attendance rates were notably higher among older children, males, and First Nations children, indicating potential demographic factors influencing appointment adherence.
- Socio-Economic Influence: Children from socio-economically disadvantaged areas were less likely to attend appointments, underscoring the impact of socio-economic conditions on healthcare access
- Imaging Modality Impact: Certain imaging modalities, particularly bone mineral densitometry, showed higher odds of non-attendance than others, suggesting potential areas for targeted intervention and improvement.
- First Nations Children: Alarmingly, First Nations children exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of non-attendance, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive healthcare strategies tailored to this vulnerable group.
Implications for Practice
The study’s findings have profound implications for healthcare practice:
- Targeted Interventions: There’s a clear need for tailored interventions to enhance attendance among vulnerable pediatric populations, with a specific focus on addressing barriers faced by First Nations children.
- Monitoring: The study suggests the role of appointment non-attendance as a potential indicator of child neglect, highlighting the importance of vigilant monitoring and intervention.
Addressing the Challenges
To tackle the issue of patient non-attendance effectively, the research suggests several strategies:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Healthcare providers should prioritise cultural sensitivity and awareness in their interactions with diverse patient populations, including First Nations communities.
- Enhanced Reminder Systems: Implementing robust appointment reminder systems can help reduce non-attendance rates by prompting patients and caregivers to attend scheduled appointments.
- Collaborative Engagement: Strengthening collaboration with referrers and local Indigenous healthcare providers can facilitate better engagement and support for patients, particularly those facing socio-economic and cultural barriers.
More information on strategies to improve health Equity can be found in Children’s Health Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Strategy 2022–2025
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve attendance rates for pediatric medical imaging appointments, especially among vulnerable groups such as First Nations children. By addressing the underlying socio-economic, cultural, and logistical barriers, healthcare providers can enhance the delivery of care and ensure equitable access for all patients.
This research was supported by funding from the Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health Vacation Research Experience Scheme