AIMS. Our aim was to study the relation between non-attendance at neurology units and the delay that exists, as well as the demographic factors that may come to bear on non-attendance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS Data on neurology outpatients over the period between November and December 2002 were collected prospectively. Both patients who were referred for valuation and those on their first programmed visit were included in the study.

RESULTS The total number of subjects was 1,035, with an average age of 55.31 ± 19.84 (14-96). Of these, 605 were females and 430 were males, with no significant differences in the age of the two groups. 40% of the cases came from rural areas. 237 (22.9%) did not attend the visit. We found a statistically significant relation between age and non-attendance (t = 2.67; p = 0.008, Student’s t). There was also a relation between not going to the visit and the delay that existed (t = –5.84; p = 0.000, Student’s t). Patients who were referred from the Casualty department missed their visit more often those who were sent by their GP (P 2 = 2.4; p = 0.07, c 2). The date on which they received the appointment was also related to non-attendance (t = –2.55; p = 0.011, Student’s t).

CONCLUSIONS Non-attendance was associated, above all, with the delay, with youth, being sent from casualty and with the length of time since they received notice of the visit.

Objetivo Estudiar la relación entre no comparecer a las consultas de neurología y la demora existente, así como con los factores demográficos que pueden influir en la no comparecencia.

Pacientes y métodos Se recogieron de forma prospectiva los datos de las consultas externas de neurología de los meses de noviembre y diciembre de 2002. Se incluyeron los pacientes que se remitieron para la valoración como primera visita programada.

Resultados El número de pacientes fue de 1.035, con una edad media de 55,31 ± 19,84 (14-96). De éstos, 605 fueron mujeres y 430 hombres, sin diferencias significativas en la edad de ambos grupos. Un 40% de los casos provenían del área rural. No se presentaron 237 (22,9%). Encontramos una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la edad y no comparecer (t = 2,67; p = 0,008, t de Student). También había relación entre no acudir a la consulta y la demora existente (t = –5,84; p = 0,000, t de Student). Los pacientes remitidos desde Urgencias fallaron más que los enviados por el médico de familia (P 2 = 2,4; p = 0,07, c 2). La fecha en la que recibieron la citación se relacionó con la falta de comparecencia (t = –2,55; p = 0,011, t de Student).

Conclusiones La falta de comparecencia se asoció sobre todo con la demora, con la juventud, el procedimiento de Urgencias y con el tiempo desde que se notificó la citación.