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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Factors associated with No-Shows and rescheduling MRI appointments

Authors: Majeed O. AlRowaili, Anwar E. Ahmed, Hasan A. Areabi

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

One of the major challenges facing global radiology services comes from delays connected to long waiting lists for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Such delays in diagnostic procedures could lead to poorer patient care outcomes. This study intended to estimate the rate of “No-Shows” or “Reschedule” MRI appointments. We also investigated the factors correlating No-Shows and Reschedule MRI appointments.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using data obtained via MRI schedule reviews and self-administrated questionnaires. Clinical and demographic data were also collected from the study participants. Stepwise binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 904 outpatients were asked to participate in the study, and we enrolled 121 outpatients who agreed to complete the study questionnaire. Of the 904 outpatients, the rate of No-Shows or Reschedule was 34.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 31.7–38.1%). Of the 121 outpatients studied, the rate of No-Shows or Reschedule was 49.6% (95% CI: 40.4–58.8%). Those of the female gender (OR = 6.238; 95% CI: 2.674–14.551, p-value = 0.001) and lack of education (OR = 2.799; 95% CI: 1.121–6.986, p-value = 0.027) were highly associated with No-Shows for the MRI appointments. There was no clarification of the MRI instructions (OR = 31.396; 95% CI: 3.427–287.644; p-value = 0.002), and family member drivers (OR = 15.530; 95% CI: 2.637–91.446, p-value = 0.002) were highly associated with rescheduling the MRI appointments.

Conclusions

We noted higher rates of No-Shows and Rescheduling of MRI appointments in females, those with a lack of formal education, those who had not received the procedure instructions, and those who lacked transportation. We recommend setting targets and developing strategies and policies to improve more timely access to MRI, and thus reduce the waiting time.
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Metadata
Title
Factors associated with No-Shows and rescheduling MRI appointments
Authors
Majeed O. AlRowaili
Anwar E. Ahmed
Hasan A. Areabi
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1927-z

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