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Intervention at children’s hospital led to better patient access
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Due to an increase in pediatric specialty referrals for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia and precocious puberty, the wait time to see a pediatric endocrinologist has been extended. According to study data published in the journal Pediatrics, enhancing provider scheduling improved one institution’s patient access.
Rubina A. Heptulla, MD, and other researchers at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York City designed three interventions: new patient appointments were protected from conversion to follow-up appointments; all providers were scheduled to see three to four new patients per session; and slots for follow-up appointments could be added based on demand.
“Access can be improved by implementation of specific interventions that address obstacles in the existing health care delivery system,” the researchers wrote. “Evaluation of data before and after an intervention can lead to a better understanding of the processes. This will ultimately identify opportunities to help alleviate barriers to access.”
The average wait time for a new patient appointment decreased from 11.4 to 1.7 weeks (P<.001), and the follow-up appointment time decreased from 8.2 to 2.9 weeks (P<.001) 13 months after the intervention, researchers said.
Additionally, the researchers saw a mean monthly total visit volume increase of 366, up from 284 patient visits (P<.01), they wrote. The mean monthly visit volume per provider also increased (36.8 to 41 patients; P=.08). Data indicate new patients consisted of 27% of the visit volume and 35% after the intervention.
Without increasing the number of providers, researchers concluded that access to the pediatric specialty care clinic was improved through scheduling enhancements.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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