Missingness: exploring why patients miss multiple appointments and how the system can support

There are many reasons why missed appointments happen, and some of the causes can be complex. 'Missingness' can have poor outcomes for patients and research shows that those who experience the greatest health inequalities are at highest risk.

This webinar looked at missed appointments, or 'missingness'. Our panel explored the reasons why patients might miss their health appointments, from practical barriers to emotional and systemic factors that can make healthcare feel out of reach.

We also discussed what can be done to ensure patients feel more confident in attending those appointments, and how services can make it easier for people to communicate when they can't.

This webinar highlighted perspectives that patients, and healthcare professionals, may not have considered, helping us all to think creatively about how to make visiting healthcare services as accessible as possible.

The session was chaired by Sarah Tilsed, Head of Partnerships and Involvement, who was joined by:

• Dr Susan Langridge, Deep End GP
• Andrea Williamson, GP and Professor of General Practice, lead for the missingness in healthcare project
• Caroline Norman, HARP (health access for refugees) Project Manager at Refugee Council

Find out more about the Patients Association visit www.patients-association.org.uk