Model Clinic to Increase Preventive Screenings Among Patients With Physical Disabilities: Protocol for a Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Primary Care Innovation
• Disability Health

Background:

• Individuals with physical disabilities face higher risks of early multimorbidity and adverse health events.
• A tailored primary care model addressing social and functional factors can promote healthy aging and health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of an integrated health program for people with physical disabilities.
• To develop a best-practice protocol for primary care to reduce preventable morbidity and enhance functioning in this population.

Main Methods:

• A pilot integrated health program was implemented in a primary care clinic, with a separate clinic serving as a control.
• The intervention included tailored alerts for providers to screen for preventable conditions and collect social/functional data.
• Quantitative (difference-in-differences) and qualitative analyses, including patient/provider interviews and electronic health record data, were used.

Main Results:

• Study funded in September 2018, with data collection from September 2021 to September 2023.
• Analysis will focus on preventative service utilization, social work referrals, and emergency/hospital service use.
• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scores will assess mental health and functioning impacts.

Conclusions:

• This mixed-methods study evaluates a novel primary care program for people with physical disabilities using a quasi-experimental design.
• Success will be measured by improved screening, increased social work referrals, and reduced emergency/hospital service utilization.
• Findings aim to inform best practices for primary care delivery to individuals with physical disabilities.