# Factors Associated With Adherence to Outpatient Follow-Up in Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)

## TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing outpatient follow-up adherence in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition causing headaches and vision loss.

## Contribution

The study identifies potential seasonal and symptom-related factors associated with follow-up adherence in IIH patients.

## Key findings

- Appointments were more likely to be completed during the summer, though not statistically significant.
- Patients with headache symptoms were more likely to complete appointments, but results were not statistically significant.
- No significant differences were found in adherence based on demographics or insurance status.

## Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a chronic condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure of undetectable origin, that causes morbidity due to debilitating headaches and vision loss. Continuity of outpatient care is important to monitor for permanent vision loss, manage symptoms and limit emergency care. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with neuro-ophthalmology follow-up appointment completion among patients with IIH at a US academic medical center in order to establish evidence-based interventions to improve adherence patterns. Included are 111 completed or no-show neuro-ophthalmology return outpatient appointments by 23 subjects with IIH. Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess association between appointment completion status and factors previously shown to be associated with appointment adherence. Appointments were more likely to be completed during the summer (p=0.08) and by subjects with headache symptoms (p=0.06), however none of the patient factors reached statistical significance. Completed and no-show appointments did not differ by subject demographic or insurance factors. Further studies are needed to identify risk factors for lack of appointment adherence by patients with IIH, particularly those amenable to intervention, in order to improve continuity of care for IIH.