Ontario walk-in clinics: a preliminary descriptive study.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Primary Care Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Limited research exists on Canadian walk-in clinics.
• Understanding the landscape of walk-in clinics is crucial for healthcare planning.
• Ontario's healthcare system is experiencing changes in service delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a preliminary descriptive study of walk-in clinics in Ontario.
• To define operational characteristics of walk-in clinics.
• To identify trends and practice patterns in Ontario's walk-in clinics.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive survey was conducted.
• 34 walk-in clinics in Ontario were identified and surveyed.
• Operational definition: separate from hospital, extended hours, accepts patients without appointment/referral.

Main Results:

• Most clinics were not identifiable by name.
• A significant increase in the number of walk-in clinics was observed in the past two years.
• Clinics commonly offered laboratory, X-ray, and electrocardiographic facilities.
• Varied practice patterns were noted among the surveyed clinics.

Conclusions:

• The rapid growth of walk-in clinics warrants further investigation.
• Findings suggest potential implications for rising healthcare costs.
• The study highlights evolving views on family practice delivery models.