The Value and Challenges of an Ambulatory Intermediate Care Clinic: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Emergency department (ED) crowding is a persistent issue in health care, resulting in increased mortality and medical errors. This challenge is particularly pronounced in underserved populations, where a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and ED utilization exacerbates gaps in care. To address this, system-level strategies, including the establishment of intermediate care clinics, are essential. This study evaluates the first three years of a nurse-led ambulatory intermediate care clinic (AICC) in the Southern US, focusing on its role in enhancing care continuity and operational challenges for expansion.

This study, conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, the United States, used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, analyzing quantitative data from 3137 AICC appointment records (May 2020-June 2023) and conducting qualitative interviews with AICC staff members. Quantitative data included patient demographics and appointment characteristics. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify common themes around AICC benefits and challenges.

Our quantitative analysis showed that the AICC managed an increasing number of patient visits with a stable appointment adherence rate. However, rising clinic-initiated cancellations indicated resource limitations. Qualitative findings provided further context for these quantitative trends. Patients from racial minority groups and those with Medicaid insurance had significantly higher odds of missing appointments. The results highlighted the AICC's value in preventing ED visits but also revealed challenges related to patient acuity level, resource allocation, scheduling complexities, and appointment adherence barriers.

Establishing a nurse-led AICC is feasible and beneficial in alleviating the care gap between primary and acute care and reducing ED crowding. Key considerations for sustainable success include determining patient acuity thresholds, streamlining same-day referral processes, and addressing capacity issues. These findings can guide health systems in implementing intermediate care clinics in ambulatory settings, particularly for those serving underserved communities.