Supporting vulnerable families who do not attend appointments: a gap analysis of the skills health professionals need

摘要

This paper offers a framework of knowledge, skills and competencies required for professionals working with vulnerable families at risk from not attending their appointment (DNA). It also offers a gap analysis of Higher Education Health Professional courses which identifies where professionals skills need to be further developed. The gap analysis demonstrates that courses appear to teach professionals how to identify and communicate with families; however, not specifically in relation to families who DNA. One of the key factors which appears to be missing from courses is how to identify when vulnerability is increasing with a family. This may mean that families who initially present as stable may fail to be identified when their circumstances are changing and increasing their vulnerability. The gap analysis also shows that professionals are not routinely given the tools needed to creatively engage with families who do not attend. It appears important that professionals are taught why families may not attend appointments, so increasing their desire to engage with families and decrease stigmatising attitudes to families who find compliance with healthcare appointments difficult.