Improving Efficiency While Improving Patient Care in a Student-Run Free Clinic

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement Science
• Community Health

Background:

• Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) play a crucial role in reducing healthcare inequity for underserved populations.
• Improving patient experience and health outcomes is a key objective for SRFCs.
• SRFCs can enhance their impact through targeted quality improvement initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease patient wait times in SRFCs.
• To increase the variety of services offered at SRFCs.
• To improve overall clinic efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive needs assessment identified key areas for improvement.
• Seventeen targeted interventions were designed and implemented over two months.
• Focus areas included time management, staff-provider communication, resource allocation, and performance assessment.

Main Results:

• Clinic operations became more efficient, leading to reduced patient wait times.
• Significant increases were observed in specialty providers, patient visits, lifestyle education, and ancillary services (laboratory, medications).
• The availability and diversity of services provided were successfully enhanced.

Conclusions:

• Quality improvement interventions are feasible and effective in SRFC settings.
• These interventions demonstrably decrease patient wait times and broaden service offerings.
• The implemented changes offer a scalable model for other SRFCs seeking performance enhancement.