Background:
Individual characteristics such as gender, employment and age have been shown to predict attendance at pain management services (PMS). The characteristics of those who drop out of pain management programmes have also been explored, but as yet no studies have analysed the characteristics of those who do not attend the service following referral.

Purpose:
To explore the characteristics and predictors of those who attend and those who do not attend their first appointment with a PMS.

Method:
Predictive factors in the two groups – attenders (n = 425) and non-attenders (n = 69) – were explored using logistic regression.

Results:
Non-attendance was significantly predicted by the patient being a smoker and the appointment being in the morning. Non-attenders also scored higher on the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, indicating higher levels of somatic pain.

Discussion:
Predictors of non-attendance were different from those for individuals who drop out of pain services. Implications and recommendations are made for PMS.