Did Not Attend (DNA) Policy for Adults at Risk

Aim

This document aims to support staff in identifying possible safeguarding concerns when patients at risk of possible harm are not supported to attend hospital appointments, or where attendance is impeded by a family member/carer. Where it is in the patient’s best interest to attend and there are no alternative ways to ensure the patient receives the treatment/ intervention/ assessment required, it outlines the appropriate way to escalate concerns.

Policy Summary

This policy is designed to support staff in considering the potential risk non-attendance at appointments might pose to the patient; and whether there are possible external factors prohibiting patients attending. The policy is designed to give a brief outline of adult patient’s rights to choose, and the role of mental capacity and coercive and controlling behaviours which may impact on this right. Further information relating to these areas can be found in the Trust’s Mental Capacity Policy and Domestic Abuse Policy.

This policy will not provide support in relation to equality of access (i.e. engaging with difficult to engage with groups, or cultural issues impacting on accessing healthcare) unless the patient is also identified as being an adult at risk as outlined within this document.

Policy Details

See also:

• Mental Capacity Policy
• Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice
• Domestic Abuse Policy (Patients & Visitors)
• Joint Access Policy
• Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
• Records Management Policy
• Was Not Brought - Non-Attendance at clinic appointments or non-access visits for children under 18 years of age