Overcoming Appointment Adherence Barriers Using Social Support

DESCRIPTIONprovided by applicantAppointment non attendanceor"no shows"is common across health institutionshindering efficient functioning of healthcare systems and contributing to over $billion in annual costsFurtherappointment non attendance is associated with poorer health outcomesas patients forgo critical preventative care and fail to receive necessary treatmentCertain populations are more likely to engage in non attendant behaviorincluding individuals with low socio economic status and limited English proficiencyAs these populations already experience health disparitiesthey have the greatest need for tools that can effectively help them address the environmental and personal barriers that hinder their ability to keep healthcare appointmentsIn light of these challengesthe current proposal outlines the development and evaluation of a comprehensive solution to address the numerous personal and environmental factors contributing to no show behaviorBy embedding evidence based behavior change techniques within a social support structurethe system will deliver targetedculturally appropriate message campaigns across interactive voice responseIVRSMS text messageand email modalitiesThe messages will offer educational information specific to the nature of the appointmentconnection to relevant resources such as affordable local transportation servicesand reminders for scheduled visit datetimeand locationImportantlythis system will also be rooted in a peer support networkproviding additional personalized assistance to promote adherence and overcome attendance barriersThe resultant system will provide comprehensive support for the range of factors contributing to appointment non adherenceleveraging external resources and known internal cognitive processes to facilitate patientsincreased participation and understanding of their own health care needs