Shared medical appointments: balancing efficiency with patient satisfaction and outcomes

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Care Models

Background:

• Shared medical appointments (SMAs) offer a potential solution for balancing healthcare efficiency, cost, and quality.
• Previous studies indicate SMAs can improve patient health, self-efficacy, and education, demonstrating feasibility.
• The applicability of the SMA model to otolaryngology practice has not been extensively explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of a pilot nasal symptoms shared medical appointment (NSSMA) model in an otolaryngology setting.
• To assess the impact of the NSSMA on patient-reported outcomes and medical knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a pilot nasal symptoms shared medical appointment (NSSMA) model within a private otolaryngology practice.
• Utilized the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test to analyze changes in SNOT-20 scores and posttest knowledge scores compared to pretest scores.
• Collected descriptive data on patient satisfaction with the NSSMA format.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant improvement in SNOT-20 scores was observed (T = -2.073; P = .019), indicating better nasal symptom management.
• Patient knowledge scores were significantly higher post-appointment compared to pre-appointment (T = 1.667; P = .048).
• Descriptive analyses revealed high levels of patient satisfaction with the NSSMA model.

Conclusions:

• The nasal symptoms shared medical appointment (NSSMA) model is a feasible and effective approach for otolaryngology practices.
• SMAs can significantly improve patient outcomes and knowledge while maintaining high patient satisfaction.
• This model presents an opportunity for busy practices to enhance care quality and efficiency.