Dissertation
Evaluation of a reminder system for perinatal psychiatric appointments
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
Sep 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D8T08W
Abstract
Abstract Background: Rates for missed appointments (no-shows) are especially high in psychiatry. Perinatal women are particularly at risk for missing appointments due to logistics such as childcare and transportation. Though rates of depression are higher for perinatal women than the general population, perinatal women often remain untreated. Appointment reminder systems are an effective method for increasing appointment attendance and cancellations. Literature suggests providing two reminders within seven days of the appointment. Maintaining accurate patient contact information is a challenge to delivering reminders. Purpose: Compare the appointment reminder system of a large, urban hospital to evidence-based practice in an effort to reduce the 60% no-show rate within its perinatal psychiatry service. Methods: A two-hour work-group meeting with five identified key experts evaluated the appointment reminder system within the perinatal psychiatry service. A semi-structured interview compared the intended appointment reminder process to its actual delivery. Strengths and challenges were identified. Results: The institution's appointment reminder system consists of one automated reminder 48 hours prior to the appointment. The scheduling database is not updated to reflect patients who cancel appointments, causing available appoint times to remain unfilled. Depending on the referral source, some patients receive additional personal reminders from clinicians. Conclusions: The current appointment reminder system may benefit from adding an additional reminder based on evidence-based practice which suggests two reminders are preferred. Attention should be given to appointment cancelations to optimize provider time and increase patient access. Keywords: appointment reminders, SMS reminders, appointment no-show.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of a reminder system for perinatal psychiatric appointments
- Creators
- Lacy R. Clayton - DU
- Contributors
- Joanne Serembus (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Patti Rager Zuzelo (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 69 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8062; 991014632937304721