Research
'Did Not Attend' consultation
HEALTH Service spending is approaching record levels but the number of people failing to keep appointments with their GP or hospital is continuing to cause alarm.
In 2004 alone, 10 million people Did Not Attend (DNA) an appointment with their GP. Research by KPMG suggests the overall cost of DNAs to the NHS amounts to £262m each year, based on £67 per broken hospital appointment and £18 per GP appointment.
Managers within the health sector believe that in the majority of cases, the patient simply forgets to attend or fails to cancel an appointment upon feeling better. These are reasons why there is optimism that a new patient booking system will make inroads into the problem. It will mean more reminders being given in the days before a hospital visit and flexibility to book appointments at times and locations to suit the individual.
It is a welcome initiative, but there is precious little research that has involved patients being asked directly why they fail to attend. What primary evidence there is suggests that accessible transport is a greater factor than first thought. For example, GMPTE's Best Value Strategic Review - Integrated Social Needs Transport (2004) - found that in 44% of cases, transport was considered a factor in a DNA. Research by the Office of National Statistics suggest that both the 16-24 age group and over 75s are most likely to be affected.
The GMPTE Consultation Team is now considering national and local research on the causes of DNAs and needs your help. Any information that is collated will help to guide GMPTE policies and actions in areas where transport links to hospitals, GP Practices and other community health services appear to be lacking.
If you think you can help, or wish to contribute to this work, please contact Vicki Crabb in the GMPTE Consultation Team on 0161 242 6702 or email vicki.crabb@gmpte.com.