How to reduce the no-show rate in the psychiatric oncology clinic: Clinical safety and effectiveness project

Abstract

Mental health stability among patients with cancer improves adherence to oncology treatment, contributing to better outcomes. In a comprehensive cancer center, the no-show rate for the psychiatric oncology clinic was higher than that of any other clinic at the center. A quality improvement project was designed to enhance patients' engagement in their mental health visits to emotionally equip them for their oncology treatments. Five months of data were reviewed, and strategies were implemented to remove barriers to attendance. These efforts markedly reduced the no-show rate. Addressing barriers to mental health care improved attendance at the mental health clinic.