Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39054300›Full record

ArticleBJGP open2024

Factors influencing multiple non-utilised healthcare appointments from patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives: a qualitative systematic review of the global literature.

Asrar Aldadi, Kathryn A Robb, Andrea Williamson

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BJGP open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
9citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

9 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Trial
  2. Article
  3. Observational
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Addressing Frailty in the Emergency Department: Early Outcomes of a Geriatric Rapid Access Clinic.Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine · 2026
    Article
  7. Article
  8. Observational
  9. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Asrar AldadiTaif University, PhD Student at School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK 2833675A@student.gla.ac.uk.
Kathryn A RobbSchool of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Andrea WilliamsonGeneral Practice and Primary Care, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe term 'non-utilised appointments' emerged in 2019 but lacks a clear definition. We focus on multiple non-utilised appointments owing to recent advances in understanding 'missingness' in UK health care. Studies on missed appointments show conflicting results regarding interventions such as text messaging owing to oversight of occasional versus repeated missed appointments. Understanding patient and healthcare-related factors in multiple non-utilised appointments is crucial for improving interventions and patient engagement.

aimTo identify factors influencing multiple non-utilised appointments from patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives. DESIGN &

settingA systematic review of qualitative research identifying factors that influence multiple non-utilised appointments across diverse global healthcare settings.

methodThe review employed a qualitative systematic approach, encompassing diverse papers from multiple databases, irrespective of patient or healthcare provider age, location, or setting. Data analysis followed Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis method. Themes are presented in alignment with both the health service and patient perspective aspects of the Levesque access model.

resultsTen thousand and eighty-six records were retrieved. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Six key themes influenced appointment utilisation. Healthcare system determinants highlighted provider-patient relationship and professionalism, and healthcare organisation factors role in appointment utilisation. Patient experience and decision making explored personal factors. Additionally, communication, support, and engagement delved into challenges with communication and language, family and social support, and socio-familial barriers to appointment utilisation. Health and wellbeing factors encompassed medical conditions, mental and emotional factors, and psychosocial determinants affecting appointment utilisation. Moreover, financial constraints and socioeconomic factors were identified as significant contributors. Lastly, healthcare access and barriers addressed transportation challenges, accessibility issues, and geographical barriers impacting healthcare access.

conclusionThe analysis reveals complex factors influencing multiple non-utilised appointments. Strong provider-patient relationships improve care accessibility. Flexible scheduling and patient-centred approaches are pivotal, alongside addressing workplace discrimination. Tailored healthcare services and overcoming geographical barriers are essential. Ensuring safety, accessibility, and communication, while supporting vulnerable groups and mental health needs, are necessary. Equitable access to services and alternative transportation solutions are essential for comprehensive healthcare delivery.

Indexed as

lost to follow-upmultiple no-show patientsqualitative researchsystematic review

Identifiers

PMID39054300
PMCPMC11687270

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.