Contracts for Innovation Cymru - Reducing Missed Appointments and Improving Access to Planned Care

Description

Challenge OverviewCwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB) experiences persistently high rates of missed outpatient appointments, with approximately 64,000 appointments missed over the last 12 months. These missed appointments create challenges for patients and services alike, contributing to longer waiting times, underutilised clinical capacity, financial inefficiencies and poorer patient experience. CTM estimates that missed appointments may account for approximately £9.6 million of avoidable lost value each year, representing a significant opportunity to improve both patient access and the use of NHS resources.Evidence suggests that non-attendance is often linked to a range of practical, behavioural, communication and accessibility barriers rather than a simple choice not to attend. These barriers can include challenges associated with appointment communication, transport,