Telephone Reminder to Increase Appointment Rates

Missed appointments to outpatient substance use treatment are common and costly and can have a negative effect on the health of patients. In this quasi-experimental study, the investigators used an on-off design to examine whether a reminder "plus" intervention (telephone call from therapist before first appointment) would increase attendance and improve cancellation and rebooking practices. Secondary outcomes included satisfaction with treatment and intention to complete the treatment program.