Researchers at Philadelphia-based Drexel University found that rates of missed primary care appointments were associated with extreme temperatures, affecting older adults and those with chronic conditions the most.
Data from 1,048,575 appointments across 13 outpatient clinics in Philadelphia were analyzed and linked to temperature and precipitation, according to the study, published June 20 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. A total of 91,580 patients 18 and older enrolled in the study, which analyzed data from 2009 to 2019.
When daily maximum temperatures were above 89 degrees, researchers found that rates of missed appointments rose by 0.64% for every one-degree increase in temperature.
For every one-degree drop below 39 degrees, rates of missed appointments increased by 0.72%.
Among those without a chronic disease diagnosis, missed appointments increased 0.43% in the colder weather. It increased by 0.95% for those with a chronic disease diagnosis.
The health risks of extreme weather — such as increasing risks of heart failure and asthma in extreme hot temperatures — as well as the study findings point to a need for physicians to explore alternative modes of care in certain circumstances, such as telemedicine, during extreme weather events, the researchers said.