Don Holloway Resources

Gottheil et al (1997) examined the effects of an outreach program designed to engage substance abuse clients who failed to attend their initial appointment. An outpatient treatment facility attempted to contact by phone clients who did not show up for their first appointment. Overall, 36% of clients showed up for their initial appointment. The clinic was then able to contact and reschedule 44% of the clients who failed to show. Out of this group, 49% kept their appointment. By instituting this simple outreach program, the clinic was able to increase the percentage of patients engaged in treatment from 36% to 46%.