Applying the marketing concept in health care: the no-show problem

Health Mark Q. 1997;14(3):3-17. doi: 10.1300/J026v14n03_02.

Abstract

This article applies the marketing concept to the no-show problem in health care. The no-show problem at a hospital-based outpatient internal medicine clinic was analyzed to determine the determinants of no-show behavior. Two surveys were conducted: a patient questionnaire, and a telephone interview of patients that had recently missed an appointment. The surveys identified the lack of transportation as an important determinant of no-show behavior among the clinic's low-income and elderly patient population. The authors suggest that effective implementation of the marketing concept requires that health care organizations offer individualized transportation services to and from their facilities.

MeSH terms

  • Appointments and Schedules*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Services Research
  • Internal Medicine
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Marketing of Health Services / methods*
  • Marketing of Health Services / organization & administration
  • Marketing of Health Services / standards
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • Weather