Non-attendance in outpatient healthcare contributes to patient morbidity and healthcare strain. This study aimed to identify predictors of non-attendance at a urology outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

A secondary data analysis was conducted on urology outpatient clinic attendance at a Brisbane tertiary teaching hospital from 2018 to 2022. Factors including age, gender, Indigenous status, review type, appointment modality, distance from the clinic, and COVID-19 lockdowns were analysed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Of the 11,683 scheduled appointments, the non-attendance rate was 4.9%. Indigenous patients had a higher non-attendance rate compared to non-Indigenous patients (13.6% vs 4.6%, OR 2.8, CI 1.91-3.99, p<0.001). Non-attendance was also associated with age groups less than 54 years of age (p<0.001) and follow-up appointments (OR 1.73, CI 1.43-2.09, p<0.001) across the patient population, particularly when the follow-up is scheduled in-person rather than via telehealth (OR 0.4, CI 0.23-0.67, p<0.001).

Indigenous status, younger age, and follow-up appointment type were significant predictors of non-attendance. Offering follow-up appointments via telehealth may improve attendance. Addressing these disparities is vital for reducing healthcare inequalities and improving health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.