A Dedicated Outbound Scheduler Is Associated With Improved Clinic Utilization and Access to Care
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.A dedicated scheduler improved clinic access for disadvantaged patients by increasing new patient visits and boosting utilization. This approach enhanced care for vulnerable populations, particularly those in high deprivation areas.
Area Of Science
- Healthcare access and disparities
- Pediatric urology outreach
- Health services research
Background
- Disparities in healthcare access are well-documented for disadvantaged populations.
- Specific factors contributing to these disparities require further elucidation.
- This study examines the impact of a dedicated scheduler on clinic utilization and patient demographics.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess the impact of an outbound scheduling system on clinic utilization.
- To analyze changes in patient demographics, including area deprivation, post-scheduler implementation.
- To identify improvements in healthcare access for vulnerable patient groups.
Main Methods
- A single pediatric urology outreach clinic's new patient data was analyzed before and after hiring a dedicated scheduler.
- Clinic utilization rates and demographic data, including Area Deprivation Index, were recorded.
- Comparisons were made between pre- and post-scheduler periods.
Main Results
- Clinic utilization increased from 93.6% to 98.9% over the study period.
- New patient visits per clinic increased by over 39%, sustained for a year.
- The proportion of new patients from highly disadvantaged areas rose significantly (35.3% increase).
- The percentage of patients speaking a language other than English also increased.
Conclusions
- Implementing a dedicated outbound scheduler significantly improved clinic utilization and access.
- The positive impact was most pronounced for patients in disadvantaged areas.
- Further research is recommended to optimize outbound scheduling for vulnerable populations.
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