Patient Non-Attendance for MRI and MSCT Examinations in Croatia: An Observational Study Using Administrative and Patient-Reported Data

Background: Patient non-attendance for scheduled diagnostic examinations represents a persistent challenge for healthcare systems and may reflect organizational and access-related barriers. Prolonged waiting times for diagnostic examinations like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) may disproportionately affect older patients and those facing structural constraints to care. Methods: This observational study in a Croatian general hospital analyzed aggregated data on MRI and MSCT non-attendance between 2019 and 2022 (N = 2419), by period, age, sex, and modality. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 200 patients (100 MRI, 100 MSCT) who missed their examination (July–September 2023) to assess reasons for non-attendance, perceived consequences, and suggested organizational measures. Results: A strong association was observed between age group and modality (χ2 = 479.3; df = 4; p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.446), with recorded MRI non-attendance cases concentrated among younger and middle-aged patients, and recorded MSCT non-attendance cases concentrated among older patients. Sex (χ2 = 18.51; p < 0.001; V = 0.088) and pandemic period (χ2 = 12.00; p = 0.002; V = 0.070) showed weak associations. Reasons for non-attendance differed markedly by modality (χ2 = 75.39; df = 5; p < 0.001; V = 0.614): forgetting appointments was most common among MSCT patients (73%), while transportation difficulties predominated among MRI patients (68%). Across groups, 60% reported negative treatment consequences, and 77% supported telephone reminders. Conclusions: Non-attendance reflects distinct demographic and organizational patterns, highlighting modifiable system-level barriers and opportunities to improve equitable access to diagnostic services.