The effect of age and chronicity on patient recall of public hospital outpatient clinic use

Aust Health Rev. 1997;20(1):78-87. doi: 10.1071/ah970078.

Abstract

This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of age and chronicity on the accuracy of recall by allied health patients of their attendance at outpatient clinics at a public hospital over the previous 12 months. Patients consistently under-reported use of outpatient clinics, when compared with hospital records. Age and chronicity were not found to be determinants of the observed differences. Other potential influences on patient recall were identified to assist future testing.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Ancillary Services, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology
  • Hospital Records
  • Hospitals, Public / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Mental Recall*
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Outpatients / psychology*
  • Outpatients / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Utilization Review / methods*