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Reduced emergency department utilization associated with school-based clinic enrollment
Janice D Key1, E Camille Washington, Thomas C Hulsey
1Department of Pediatrics, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. keyj@musc.edu
Summary
School-based clinics (SBCs) significantly reduce emergency department visits for adolescents. This study found that SBC enrollment led to a 41% to 57% decrease in emergency department utilization, highlighting the impact of accessible, preventive care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Healthcare Utilization
Background:
- Emergency department (ED) utilization among adolescents presents a significant healthcare cost.
- School-based clinics (SBCs) offer accessible, preventive healthcare services.
- Understanding the impact of SBCs on ED visits is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the change in emergency department utilization before and after enrollment in a school-based clinic (SBC).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study comparing ED visit rates.
- Analysis of 10- to 15-year-olds before and after SBC enrollment.
- Chart review over three school years.
Main Results:
- SBC enrollment led to a significant decrease in ED utilization (41%-57%).
- This decrease was 18% greater than in non-SBC participants.
- Both groups showed decreased ED visits, but the reduction was significant only for SBC users.
Conclusions:
- Accessible, prevention-oriented healthcare in SBCs effectively reduces reliance on emergency departments.
- SBCs can be a valuable strategy for managing adolescent healthcare needs and reducing healthcare costs.