In the Scheduling section, what does "patient refusal" indicate?

"Patient refusal" indicates that the patient has declined to schedule an appointment for any reason. This terminology is used to capture instances where the patient decides not to proceed with scheduling, which can occur for a variety of personal or logistical reasons. Understanding patient refusal is crucial for healthcare providers as it allows them to track engagement and identify potential barriers to care. Unlike scheduling or availability, which document positive actions taken by the patient, refusal highlights a missed opportunity for the healthcare provider to connect and provide necessary services. As such, recognizing and addressing the reasons behind patient refusals can aid in improving overall patient care and communication strategies.