Increasing Postpartum Appointment Attendance Rates

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Summer 7-30-2026

Abstract

Background: Postpartum visits provide an opportunity to detect and address potential complications, monitor healing and recovery, and offer guidance and support during the transition into motherhood. Current research shows that appointment reminders increase healthcare appointment attendance rates, whether delivered via text messages or phone calls.

Purpose: The purpose of this academic project was to plan, implement, and evaluate a process change within a single health facility to increase postpartum visit attendance rates.

Methods: This evidence-based scholarly project used telephone calls to remind patients scheduled for postpartum visits of their appointment dates and times. Appointment reminder phone calls were completed the day before a patient was scheduled for a postpartum visit, or on Fridays for patients scheduled for a Monday appointment. The pre- and post-intervention postpartum appointment attendance rates were evaluated for comparison.

Results: Postpartum appointment attendance rates increased after implementation of appointment reminder phone calls.  Post-intervention data showed the appointment attendance rates increased by an average of 6% for women scheduled for a postpartum visit. Telephone appointment reminders decreased postpartum appointment no-show rates at this outpatient clinic.

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