A multiple entry system for psychiatric clinics

The authors studied the characteristics of 100 patients who applied for psychiatric treatment at the clinic of the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center and did not keep their initial appointment. This group was compared with a matched group of 100 patients who kept their initial appointments. Eighty-two of the "no show" group responded to a mail and telephone inquiry. The characteristics of particular subgroups were identified in relation to the percentage of appointments kept. Among the most significant factors were the male-female distribution, and the source of referral. The hypothesis is advanced that a single entry system for admission to psychiatric clinics, using an appointment or "walk-in" approach, does not promote easy entrance for many in need of treatment. Certain systems of entry into a clinic are suitable for particular subgroups, but not for others. The findings are discussed in relation to other studies of pre-intake clinic dropout.