Improving patient access through office hysteroscopy clinic redesign

Healthcare systems often struggle to balance patient access with procedural efficiency. Established knowledge shows that diagnostic delays can worsen patient outcomes. Prior research has shown that separate scheduling of diagnostic and procedural appointments increases wait times. This gap motivated the need for a streamlined approach in gynecologic care. No prior work had resolved the inefficiencies caused by separate NP and specialist visits. This paper's contribution lies in addressing the workflow of hysteroscopy scheduling. The study focuses on abnormal uterine bleeding as a common diagnostic need. It introduces a model that integrates diagnostic and procedural appointments.

This study aimed to improve patient access by redesigning the workflow for office hysteroscopy. The specific problem was the inefficiency of separate diagnostic and procedural appointments. The motivation was to reduce wait times for hysteroscopy services. The goal was to evaluate a new clinic model involving nurse practitioners and gynecologists. The approach involved scheduling consecutive visits with both providers. The study sought to measure the impact on appointment wait times and clinic efficiency. The focus was on patients with abnormal uterine bleeding requiring hysteroscopy. The study aimed to test whether a collaborative model could enhance access.

The study implemented a new clinic model combining diagnostic and procedural visits. Nurse practitioners evaluated patients with abnormal uterine bleeding first. Gynecologists followed immediately for hysteroscopy if indicated. The model allowed for same-day procedural appointments when needed. Electronic records were used to track patient scheduling data. Preintervention data came from 393 patients seen from January to June 2015. Postintervention data included 647 patients from January to June 2016. The study compared wait times and clinic efficiency before and after the redesign.

Postintervention data showed a significant reduction in wait times for hysteroscopy appointments. Sixty-three percent of patients were scheduled within 0-13 days compared to 30% preintervention. The redesigned clinic increased available appointment slots by 57.5%. No-show rates remained stable before and after the intervention. Appointment fill rates were not negatively impacted by the new model. Nurse practitioners managed non-hysteroscopy cases efficiently. Gynecologists performed hysteroscopy during the same visit when indicated. The model improved access without compromising patient follow-up.

The collaborative model improved access to office hysteroscopy services as reported by the authors. The study suggests that integrating NP and gynecologist visits reduces wait times. The authors propose that this model enhances clinic efficiency without adverse effects. No-show rates and fill rates remained unchanged as stated in the abstract. The model allowed for same-day scheduling when hysteroscopy was indicated. Nurse practitioners managed non-procedural cases effectively as noted. The study concludes that a team-based approach improves patient access. The findings suggest that workflow redesign can enhance diagnostic efficiency.