Evaluation of the Relationship Between Missed Appointments and Adherence to Medical Indications

Non-attendance at outpatient visits and lack of adherence to medical recommendations are prevalent issues that negatively impact the health care system. While tools exist to assess pharmacological adherence, evaluating adherence to non-pharmacological recommendations remains challenging. Some studies suggest using nonattendance as an objective and easily measurable marker of adherence.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between nonattendance and adherence to medical recommendations in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

We will conduct a cross-sectional study involving adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We will evaluate the association between participants' nonattendance and their adherence to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological medical recommendations, as well as COVID-19 prevention measures. Additionally, we will assess the adherence rates to these recommendations, COVID-19 prevention measures, and the recommended health care practices and controls for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (over 18 years old), affiliated with the medical insurance of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires for at least two years.
• Patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus at least 2 years before the date of entry to the study Will be included.

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal to participate or to the informed consent process.
• Difficulties with language or comprehension (includes pathologies that alter the understanding of the indications or compliance with them (dementia, encephalopathy, intellectual disability, psychiatric disorders).
• Recent hospitalization (the month before the phone call).
• Medical follow-up outside of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.
• Work as health personnel.
• Communication failure (wrong phone number or no response to 3 calls on different days and times)