[Increase in the percentage of attendance at outpatient consultations in the Health Area of Santiago de Compostela and Barbanza, after modifying the appointment management system].

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether or not the new appointment management system for hospital outpatient consultations, implementing the use of «mailboxes» (computerized appointment system, based on ideal date), improves adherence to appointments or not.

Method: Before-after study, in which the degree of patient adherence to hospital outpatient appointments is compared, before and after the change in the appointment process (period 2014-2018 vs. year 2022). Statistical analysis was performed with Stata v17.

Results: Adherence to consultations (percentage of consultations performed) remained stable in all years of the period 2014-2018, with an average value of 91%, and increased to 93% in 2022. All characteristics of the consultations were shown to be associated with adherence, but in the multivariate model sex, age group, setting, hospital, functional area and type of activity were significant.

Conclusion: The change made in the appointment management system of hospital outpatient clinics in the Health Area of Santiago de Compostela and Barbanza has proven effective in improving adherence to the consultation. The reduction in the number of absences from consultations reduces waiting lists and improves patient care.