Non-attendance at a psychiatric clinic

Abstract

High attrition rates in psychiatric out-patient departments are well documented in the literature (Baekeland & Lundwall, 1975; Gillis & Egert, 1973). Non-attenders' attitudes and beliefs about their illness and treatment may provide valuable insight into reasons for not attending. This consumer orientated approach could enable clinicians not only to improve clinic attendance but to assess their treatment efficacy.