Predictors of clinic non-attendance: Opportunities to improve patient outcomes in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the few tumour types, where routine patient follow up has been demonstrated to impact significantly on survival. Patients who fail to attend regular clinic reviews may compromise their outcome, but the frequency at which this occurs is unknown. Identifying the extent of this problem, and the factors that predict non-attendance, may provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Methods: Utilizing the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Outcomes and Research Database (ACCORD) colorectal database at Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals and the Hospital Patient Management System (HOMER) we collected attendance data for colorectal surgical and oncology outpatien..