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Published on: February 5, 2019
Deformational plagiocephaly multi-group outpatient clinics reduce referral to visit times and visit length
David Shepetovsky1, Asaf Olshinka2, Amir Kershenovich1
1Departments of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Insights
Multi-group clinics significantly reduce wait times and visit durations for infants with deformational plagiocephaly (DP). Implementing these innovative models streamlines care, improving patient outcomes and clinic efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Healthcare management
Background:
- Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) affects up to 20% of infants.
- Increasing prevalence necessitates efficient clinical models.
- Existing models face challenges in managing patient volume and wait times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe technological and multi-group clinic modalities implemented since 2016.
- To evaluate the impact of these changes on patient flow and visit efficiency.
- To assess the effectiveness of multi-group encounters for DP management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and prospective data collection from November 2016 to May 2024.
- Analysis of patient numbers, no-shows, referral to visit times (RVT), and visit length (VL).
- Categorization of data into eight bimesters reflecting different clinic modalities.
Main Results:
- A total of 1794 patients were reviewed; 202 were referred for DP.
- Mean RVT for DP patients decreased from 107 days to 17 days with implemented changes.
- Mean visit length (VL) reduced from 22 minutes to 7 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Multi-group encounters are highly effective for managing DP.
- These models significantly reduce referral to visit times (RVT) and visit length (VL).
- Optimized clinic models enhance efficiency and patient care for DP.
Objective:
Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is a well-recognized condition, affecting up to 20% of all babies. Its prevalence lead centers worldwide to create multi-group clinics and incorporate technology to decrease repetitive counselling, save clinic hours and shorten waiting times. This paper describes the modalities incorporated in our craniofacial clinic since 2016 and their effect on our patient population.
Methods:
Data were collected retrospectively between November 2016 and September 2022 and prospectively between April and May of 2024. This period was divided into eight bimesters constituting several different clinic modalities. Data included the number of patients, no-shows, referral to visit times (RVT), visit length (VL), satisfaction rates, and demographics of all patients visiting our clinic and those referred specifically for DP.
Results:
A total of 1794 patients, reviewed retrospectively, were included, 202 were referred for DP. Mean RVT was 38.5 days for all patients. For DP patients, mean RVTs were (according to bimesters): 107 days (older triage system), 59 days (newer system, new monthly craniofacial clinic, additional clinic slots), 58 days (cranial orthosis program, first multi-group clinic), 52 days (online lecture), 35 days (end of Covid lockdown), 43 days (pre-recorded presentations), and 47 days (multi-group encounters). RVT decreased to 17 days in the prospective bimester, during which another 117 DP patients were seen. Mean VL averaged 22 min for the first six bimesters and then decreased to 11 and 7 min during the seventh and eighth bimesters respectively.
Conclusion:
Multi-group encounters for DP are highly effective in reducing RVTs and VL.
