Background: Missed appointments (no-shows) are a problem and common in outpatient clinics especially in psychiatric setting.Objective: This study aimed to describe the extent of no-shows in a regular psychiatric outpatient clinic, and to assess associations of missed appointments with patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and types of services provided.Methods: Data collection from a hospital psychiatric clinic charts was conducted from administrative years 2017-18 and 2018-19, using descriptive analyses.Results: In the administrative year of 2017-18, the no-show rate was 9.5%, adding 10.7% for cancellations, for a total of 20.2%. In 2016-17, rates were 9.7%, with 17.3% cancellations, for a total of 27%. Rates varied from clinical groups (2.5% for borderline personality disorders patients to 30% for young psychotic patients) and by professionals (psychiatrists 5.6%, psychotherapists 23.3%) and for crisis services 21.9%.Conclusions: No-show numbers are comparable to other clinical sites but remain a challenge in delivering seamless and efficient services. A qualitative study will be conducted as a second phase to examine root causes and provide opportunities for service improvement.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has (and will continue to have) quite a strong impact on patients whose mental conditions worsen due to isolation, disruption of usual routine, activities, and loss of community support, if not the infection itself. Therefore, exploring and evaluating existing ways and proposing new ways to communicate and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance between therapists and patients was important.Methods: A semi-structured interview based on a homemade grid designed to assess participants’ opinions on access to telehealth services and their efficiency. Period of study: March 2020 to June 2021.Results: Impact of COVID-19 on daily life: 70% experienced isolation due to the pandemic life-changing, 65% experienced anxiety, 42% depression, and 28% anger. Teleconsultations’ perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were perceived as a good solution for a pandemic era and no need for displacement (30%). 38% thought that video consultation is a better option than telephone consultations, with 60% stating a similar level of comfort in video/phone consultation compared to in-person. Recommendations to address Mental Health (MH) care delivery soon after this pandemic were: Patients (60%) are interested in accessing a website (or mobile application) on resources of MH services available in their city/region.Conclusions: Results show that isolation and anxiety were the factors most affecting the social life and conditions of participants, with some significant levels of depression and anger. Participants largely accepted the transition to virtual care with some improvements.