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Clinical Intake of Child and Adolescent Consumers in a Rural Community Mental Health Center: Does Wait-time Predict Attendance?

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Abstract

This study examines the clinic variable of wait-time as a predictor of intake attendance in a rural community mental health center (CMHC) serving child and adolescent consumers. Data from 1,317 contacts seeking services for a child or adolescent (ages 2–17) were examined. In logistic regression analysis, wait-time between initial consumer contact and intake appointment was identified as a significant predictor of appointment attendance, even after accounting for consumer variables. The impact of wait-time on the likelihood of intake appointment attendance was not moderated by the urgency of consumer need. Findings elucidate the odds of intake attendance versus non-attendance associated with each day of wait-time and clarify the impact of this clinic variable on pre-intake attrition above and beyond more often studied consumer variables. These results provide information that can assist rural CMHCs in assessing the costs and benefits of steps to reduce wait-time or its impact.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Desiree Bailey, Michelle Becker, Becky Connell, Bev Domann, Patty Hundley, and Kristi Meid in conducting the initial telephone interviews and assisting consumers in accessing needed services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 4825 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA

    Marne L. Sherman

  2. The Guidance Center, Leavenworth, KS, USA

    David D. Barnum & Erik Nyberg

  3. Benedictine College, Atchison, KS, USA

    Adam Buhman-Wiggs

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  1. Marne L. Sherman
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  2. David D. Barnum
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  3. Adam Buhman-Wiggs
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  4. Erik Nyberg
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Correspondence to Marne L. Sherman.

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Sherman, M.L., Barnum, D.D., Buhman-Wiggs, A. et al. Clinical Intake of Child and Adolescent Consumers in a Rural Community Mental Health Center: Does Wait-time Predict Attendance?. Community Ment Health J 45, 78–84 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9153-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9153-8

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