Decreasing Resource Utilization Using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs)

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Pediatric fracture management

Background:

• Standardized clinical assessment and management plans (SCAMPs) are adaptive quality improvement tools.
• SCAMPs aim to enhance patient care, reduce practice variations, and optimize resource use.
• A SCAMP was developed for the closed treatment of pediatric torus fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of SCAMP implementation on resource utilization.
• To assess changes in practice variability and cost of care.
• To determine the effect on clinical outcomes for pediatric torus fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 273 pediatric patients.
• Comparison of a pre-SCAMP cohort (2008-2010) with a SCAMP cohort (2011-2013).
• Analysis of clinic visits, radiographic imaging, and cost data using activity-based costing.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in clinical outcomes between cohorts.
• SCAMP cohort showed a 48% reduction in clinic visits and a 60% reduction in x-rays.
• Overall cost of care decreased by 49% with SCAMP implementation.

Conclusions:

• SCAMPs offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to clinical practice guidelines.
• SCAMP implementation for pediatric torus fractures reduced variability and resource use.
• Clinical outcomes were maintained while improving efficiency and reducing costs.