Where Did All the “No-Shows” Go?*

Abstract

This pilot study examines the demographic profile, referral source, and presenting symptom of 40 families whose child was referred to and accepted for assessment by the Outpatient Psychiatry Department of The Hospital for Sick Children, but who ended up cancelling their initial assessment interview when an appointment time was set. These “No-Show” cases constitute a relatively small (13.6%) proportion of the total population accepted for assessment. The “No-Show” families did not differ markedly from the general intake population in terms of age, and presenting problem. However, girls, suburban residence and lower class background were more prevalent in the “No-Show” group. The length of time spent on the waiting list was given most frequently as the primary reason for cancelling the appointment.