No-shows cost the NHS approximately £1 billion annually, with missed appointment rates between 5-20% (BMJ study, 2022).
💡 Quick Win: Implement a multi-channel appointment reminder system using existing technology.
Implementation approach:
– Gather patient communication preferences during registration
– Configure your existing practice management system for automated reminders
– Set up a sequence: initial confirmation, 48-hour reminder, and day-before reminder
– Include easy rescheduling options in every communication
– Collect and analyse data on which channels and timing work best
A GP practice in Manchester implemented this with their existing systems and reduced no-shows by 27% in just two months, creating approximately 15 additional available appointments per week.
What communication methods have you found most effective for patient engagement?
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