Work

Predictors of missed pediatric ophthalmology appointments in a New Zealand cohort: the impact of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic deprivation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Missed appointments, in addition to imposing a high financial burden on the health care sector, are well-documented to result in poorer health outcomes and may impact a child's overall well-being. This study aimed to identify pediatric factors associated with appointment non-attendance in a large public hospital in New Zealand. METHODS: Clinic non-attendance from the Auckland District Health Board Ophthalmology Department from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data collected included: age, sex, and ethnicity. Deprivation index was calculated. Appointments were classified as new patients and follow-ups, and acute or routine. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using logistic regression to assess the likelihood of non-attendance. RESULTS: In total, 22,818 pediatric (age <18) appointments were scheduled, of which 2,965 visits (13.0%) were missed. Mean age in the pediatric cohort was 6.8 ± 4.6 years and 12,106 (53.1%) were male. Ethnicity was White in 8,762 (41.0%), Māori in 3,147 (14.75%), Pacific peoples in 3,188 (14.9%), Asian in 5,290 (24.8%) and other in 982 (4.6%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis for all appointments showed that male sex (OR = 1.136; P = 0.002), Māori ethnicity (OR = 2.982; P < 0.001), Pacific peoples ethnicity (OR = 2.905; P < 0.001), other ethnicity (OR = 1.467; P < 0.001) and deprivation index (OR = 1.072; P < 0.001) were associated with missed appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Male Māori and Pacific children living in high social deprivation disproportionately experience higher rates of missed appointments. Further research exploring barriers families face when seeking ophthalmic care for their children is needed to inform appropriate interventions.

Source: Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2025.104646

Authors: Dineo Mpe, Rachael L. Niederer, Jackie Low, Helen Victoria Danesh-Meyer

Institutions: University of Auckland, Auckland District Health Board

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Operations and Scheduling Optimization

Subfield: Emergency Medical Services

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,330