Time of Day Influences Nonattendance at Urgent Short-Term Mental Health Unit in Victoria, British Columbia

Objectives: To identify the patient profile of first-time no-shows (FTNS) and to examine which process variables predict FTNS. Method: We developed a questionnaire exploring variables that might impact attendance. Of 779 referrals over 9 months, all FTNS (n = 60) and a sample of randomly selected control subjects (n = 60) completed the questionnaire. Results: The FTNS rate was 7.7%. A set of 10 variables predicted FTNS at 80% accuracy. Most significant was our finding that “time of day of first appointment” showed a novel and practical difference between FTNS and control subjects. Patients were 3.6 times more likely to show for first appointments scheduled in the afternoon. Conclusions: Simply making first appointments in the afternoon could significantly decrease FTNS incidence.