Abstract:
Introduction: Non-attendance is a common source of inefficiency in a health service, wasting time, resources, potentially lengthening waiting lists, increases patient suffering, morbidity and has received little attention. Patient failure to attend hospital outpatient appointments has a significant impact on the ability of hospitals to provide efficient and effective services. Aim: Of study to analysis risk factor of non-attendance in a group of patients who are unlikely to attend again. Method & Material: Prospective study of patients referred to surgical clinics Antrim area Hospital Northern Ireland from April 2017 to August 2017. Survey was a structured on a telephonic interview. Including new referrals from General Practitioners, accident & emergency department, and medical department & review surgical patient’s. Results: Fifty patients contributed to the survey 27 were Female & 23 Male ratio 1.17:1. Age range from 17-89 years, mean age 56. There were total 42 clinics sessions and total numbers of the patients to be seen were 504, only 454 were seen in the outpatient clinics but 50 patients were DNA including 22 new patients, 25 review &3 referrals from other teams. Conclusion: System of telephonic calling by clinic receptionist of all the patients should be made prior to clinic to overcome the issue of DNA. Patient who were given longer appointments than 2-3 weeks should get an additional reminder either by post, electronic mail, mobile (SMS) text messaging where appropriate which may turn up a suitable means of improving patient attendance
Biography:
Ashfaq Chandio is a surgeon specialising in General and Colorectal Surgery with extensive clinical and academic experience within the United Kingdom and Ireland. He is currently associated with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest teaching hospital organisations in the United Kingdom.
He graduated in medicine from Chandka Medical College Larkana, Pakistan, and subsequently pursued postgraduate surgical training across Ireland and the United Kingdom. During this period he gained broad multidisciplinary surgical experience including colorectal surgery, general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, emergency surgery, and breast and endocrine surgery. He holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI) and dual European Board of Surgery (FEBS) certifications in General Surgery and Coloproctology. He has also completed a Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery in France, reflecting his interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
He has worked across multiple NHS organisations including Hywel Dda University Health Board, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (Northwick Park Hospital), and NHS Grampian. While working in Scotland, he also served as Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, contributing to undergraduate medical education and clinical training.
His clinical interests include colorectal disease, laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, multidisciplinary colorectal care, and surgical service development. He has also contributed to service innovation, including work related to Colon Capsule Endoscopy at Dr Gray’s Hospital.
He maintains a strong commitment to surgical education and professional training. He has taught and supervised medical students, International Medical Graduates, foundation doctors, surgical trainees, and advanced nurse practitioners. He has served as faculty for surgical training programmes delivered through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, including Basic Surgical Skills (BSS), START Surgery, and CCrISP – Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient. He has also contributed to MRCS examination preparation programmes, including teaching in anatomy and peri-operative care.
He has participated in peer-reviewed publications, national and international scientific presentations, and academic collaboration, and has mentored participants in international gastroenterology and surgical conferences.
His professional work reflects a continuing commitment to clinical excellence, surgical education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship of future healthcare professionals.
