A quality improvement intervention to increase access to pediatric subspecialty practice

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Access to pediatric endocrinology appointments can be challenging in academic hospital settings.
• Long wait times negatively impact timely diagnosis and treatment for pediatric endocrine conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance access to new pediatric endocrinology appointments within an urban academic hospital faculty practice.
• To decrease wait times for both new and follow-up appointments.

Main Methods:

• Implemented protected new patient appointment slots, increased new patient volume per session for all faculty, and introduced demand-based follow-up only sessions.
• Monitored waiting times, monthly visit volume, per-provider visit volume, proportion of new visits, and clinic arrival rates pre- and postintervention.

Main Results:

• Average wait time for new appointments decreased from 11.4 to 1.7 weeks (P < .001); follow-up wait times reduced from 8.2 to 2.9 weeks (P < .001).
• Mean monthly total visit volume rose from 284 to 366 visits (P < .01).
• Proportion of new patients increased from 27% to 35% of total visits.

Conclusions:

• Improved clinic scheduling strategies effectively enhanced access to pediatric specialty care.
• The intervention successfully increased appointment availability and visit volume without requiring additional healthcare providers.