In the current situation of normalization prevention and control of COVID-19, we should optimize the control measures in the outpatient appointment service of women's and children's hospitals in order to adapt to the epidemic prevention and control work, and to reduce the waste of medical resources and the cost of hospital management.

Based on the hospital information system, the outpatient treatment data of 9 212 245 cases before the epidemic of COVID-19 (from January 1 to December 31, 2019) and during the normal prevention and control period of COVID-19 (between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021) were obtained. The changes of "break off" and cancelled appointments on the same day before and after the epidemic were compared and analyzed by χ² test.

The failure rates of appointment services before and after the epidemic were 3.84% (188 942/4 918 665) and 3.78% (162 268/4 293 580), respectively, with a statistical difference (P=0.023). The cancellation rates of appointment on the same day before and after the epidemic were 2.85% (140 053/4 918 665) and 3.69% (158 410/4 293 580), with a statistical difference (P＜0.001).

The control measures of the medical center to optimize the missed appointments in appointment diagnosis and treatment service are effective and worthy of promotion.

Women's and children's hospitals; Appointment service; Break off; COVID-19 prevention and control