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Perez E, Anandhan V, Novoa C. A Simulation-Based Planning Methodology for Decreasing Patient Waiting Times in Pure Walk-In Clinics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE SERVICE SECTOR 2020. [DOI: 10.4018/ijisss.2020070103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a simulation-based planning methodology that aims to improve patient service quality in pure walk-in clinics. Capacity planning is one of the major challenges in walk-in clinics because of the uncertainty in both patient demand and arrival times. This work presents a discrete-event simulation model for walk-in clinics that takes into consideration patient behavior in terms of arrival times for capacity planning at the clinic level. The goal of the model is to provide a tool that will allow clinics to develop protocols that will reduce patient waiting times by scheduling doctor and medical assistants considering demand uncertainties. A case study is presented to illustrate the benefits of the methodology. The results of the computational study show that by allocating the right number of resources at particular times of the day, walk-in clinics can achieve operational steady state while providing services to patients with minimum waiting times. The tool can be adapted and used to support any walk-in clinic.
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Romanelli F. To Boldly Go. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2018; 82:7085. [PMID: 29867248 PMCID: PMC5972857 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Romanelli
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky
- Executive Associate Editor, American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Arlington, Virginia
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Chen CE, Chen CT, Hu J, Mehrotra A. Walk-in clinics versus physician offices and emergency rooms for urgent care and chronic disease management. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 2:CD011774. [PMID: 28211045 PMCID: PMC6464055 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011774.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Walk-in clinics are growing in popularity around the world as a substitute for traditional medical care delivered in physician offices and emergency rooms, but their clinical efficacy is unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the quality of care and patient satisfaction of walk-in clinics compared to that of traditional physician offices and emergency rooms for people who present with basic medical complaints for either acute or chronic issues. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases, and two trials registers on 22 March 2016 together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. We applied no restrictions on language, publication type, or publication year. SELECTION CRITERIA Study design: randomized trials, non-randomized trials, and controlled before-after studies. POPULATION standalone physical clinics not requiring advance appointments or registration, that provided basic medical care without expectation of follow-up. Comparisons: traditional primary care practices or emergency rooms. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group. MAIN RESULTS The literature search identified 6587 citations, of which we considered 65 to be potentially relevant. We reviewed the abstracts of all 65 potentially relevant studies and retrieved the full texts of 12 articles thought to fit our study criteria. However, following independent author assessment of the full texts, we excluded all 12 articles. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Controlled trial evidence about the mortality, morbidity, quality of care, and patient satisfaction of walk-in clinics is currently not available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher T Chen
- Massachusetts General HospitalDepartment of Medicine55 Fruit StreetBoston MAUSA02114
| | - Jia Hu
- University of TorontoPublic Health and Preventive MedicineTorontoONCanada
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Harvard Medical SchoolDepartment of Health Care Policy180A Longwood AvenueBoston MAUSA02115
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Dalen JE. Retail Clinics: A Shift From Episodic Acute Care to Partners in Coordinated Care. Am J Med 2016; 129:134-6. [PMID: 26363355 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James E Dalen
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
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Vaz LE, Kleinman KP, Lakoma MD, Dutta-Linn MM, Nahill C, Hellinger J, Finkelstein JA. Prevalence of Parental Misconceptions About Antibiotic Use. Pediatrics 2015; 136:221-31. [PMID: 26195539 PMCID: PMC4516948 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-0883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in antibiotic knowledge and attitudes between parents of Medicaid-insured and commercially insured children have been previously reported. It is unknown whether understanding has improved and whether previously identified differences persist. METHODS A total of 1500 Massachusetts parents with a child <6 years old insured by a Medicaid managed care or commercial health plan were surveyed in spring 2013. We examined antibiotic-related knowledge and attitudes by using χ(2) tests. Multivariable modeling was used to assess current sociodemographic predictors of knowledge and evaluate changes in predictors from a similar survey in 2000. RESULTS Medicaid-insured parents in 2013 (n = 345) were younger, were less likely to be white, and had less education than those commercially insured (n = 353), P < .01. Fewer Medicaid-insured parents answered questions correctly except for one related to bronchitis, for which there was no difference (15% Medicaid vs 16% commercial, P < .66). More parents understood that green nasal discharge did not require antibiotics in 2013 compared with 2000, but this increase was smaller among Medicaid-insured (32% vs 22% P = .02) than commercially insured (49% vs 23%, P < .01) parents. Medicaid-insured parents were more likely to request unnecessary antibiotics in 2013 (P < .01). Multivariable models for predictors of knowledge or attitudes demonstrated complex relationships between insurance status and sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS Misconceptions about antibiotic use persist and continue to be more prevalent among parents of Medicaid-insured children. Improvement in understanding has been more pronounced in more advantaged populations. Tailored efforts for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations remain warranted to decrease parental drivers of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Elaine Vaz
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon;
| | - Kenneth P Kleinman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew D Lakoma
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Maya Dutta-Linn
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - James Hellinger
- Neighborhood Health Plan, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Jonathan A Finkelstein
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chen CT, Hu J, Chen CE, Mehrotra A. Walk-in clinics versus physician offices and emergency rooms for urgent care and chronic disease management. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Romanelli F, Jones M. Is it time to start teaching basic diagnostics? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2013; 77:207. [PMID: 24371331 PMCID: PMC3872926 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7710207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Garbutt JM, Mandrell KM, Sterkel R, Epstein J, Stahl K, Kreusser K, O’Neil J, Sitrin H, Ariza A, Reis EC, Siegel R, Pascoe J, Strunk RC. Pediatric providers' attitudes toward retail clinics. J Pediatr 2013; 163:1384-8.e1-6. [PMID: 23810720 PMCID: PMC3812257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe pediatric primary care providers' attitudes toward retail clinics and their experiences of retail clinics use by their patients. STUDY DESIGN A 51-item, self-administered survey from 4 pediatric practice-based research networks from the midwestern US, which gauged providers' attitudes toward and perceptions of their patients' interactions with retail clinics, and changes to office practice to better compete. RESULTS A total of 226 providers participated (50% response). Providers believed that retail clinics were a business threat (80%) and disrupted continuity of chronic disease management (54%). Few (20%) agreed that retail clinics provided care within recommended clinical guidelines. Most (91%) reported that they provided additional care after a retail clinic visit (median 1-2 times per week), and 37% felt this resulted from suboptimal care at retail clinics "most or all of the time." Few (15%) reported being notified by the retail clinic within 24 hours of a patient visit. Those reporting prompt communication were less likely to report suboptimal retail clinic care (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.42) or disruption in continuity of care (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.71). Thirty-six percent reported changes to office practice to compete with retail clinics (most commonly adjusting or extending office hours), and change was more likely if retail clinics were perceived as a threat (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.56-8.76); 30% planned to make changes in the near future. CONCLUSIONS Based on the perceived business threat, pediatric providers are making changes to their practice to compete with retail clinics. Improved communication between the clinic and providers may improve collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Randall Sterkel
- Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, MO,St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jay Epstein
- Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | | | | | - Adolfo Ariza
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Il,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL,Children’s Research Center of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Robert Siegel
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - John Pascoe
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
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Nigro SC, Garwood CL, Berlie H, Irons B, Longyhore D, McFarland MS, Saseen JJ, Trewet CB. Clinical pharmacists as key members of the patient-centered medical home: an opinion statement of the Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Pharmacotherapy 2013; 34:96-108. [PMID: 24122857 DOI: 10.1002/phar.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Ambulatory Care Practice Research Network (PRN) considers the role of clinical pharmacists to be fundamental to the success of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model. Within the PCMH, pharmacists can improve the health of populations by participating in activities that optimize medication management. Multiple published articles support clinical pharmacist involvement in the PCMH with regard to promotion of team-based care, enhanced access, care coordination, and improved quality and safety of care. A survey of clinical pharmacist members of ACCP who operate in such a model depict a variety of activities, with some members pioneering new and innovative ways to practice clinical pharmacy. Although this is a significant opportunity for pharmacists in the primary care setting, a unified vision of pharmacy services is needed. It is our hope that with continued efforts focused on obtaining national provider status, clinical pharmacy can use the PCMH model to solidify the future of primary care pharmacy. The following is an opinion statement of the ACCP Ambulatory Care PRN regarding the vital role of clinical pharmacists in the PCMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie C Nigro
- MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts; South End Community Health Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Garbutt JM, Mandrell KM, Allen M, Sterkel R, Epstein J, Kreusser K, O’Neil J, Sayre B, Sitrin H, Stahl K, Strunk RC. Parents' experiences with pediatric care at retail clinics. JAMA Pediatr 2013; 167:845-50. [PMID: 23877236 PMCID: PMC4019395 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Little is known about the use of retail clinics (RCs) for pediatric care. OBJECTIVE To describe the rationale and experiences of families with a pediatrician who also use RCs for pediatric care. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study with 19 pediatric practices in a Midwestern practice-based research network. PARTICIPANTS Parents attending the pediatrician’s office. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Parents’ experience with RC care for their children. RESULTS In total, 1484 parents (91.9% response rate) completed the self-administered paper survey. Parents (23.2%) who used the RC for pediatric care were more likely to report RC care for themselves (odds ratio, 7.79; 95% CI, 5.13-11.84), have more than 1 child (2.16; 1.55-3.02), and be older (1.05; 1.03-1.08). Seventy-four percent first considered going to the pediatrician but reported choosing the RC because the RC had more convenient hours (36.6%), no office appointment was available (25.2%), they did not want to bother the pediatrician after hours (15.4%), or they thought the problem was not serious enough (13.0%). Forty-seven percent of RC visits occurred between 8 am and 4 pm on weekdays or 8 am and noon on the weekend. Most commonly, visits were reportedly for acute upper respiratory tract illnesses (sore throat, 34.3%; ear infection, 26.2%; and colds or flu, 19.2%) and for physicals (13.1%). While 7.3% recalled the RC indicating it would inform the pediatrician of the visit, only 41.8% informed the pediatrician themselves. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Parents with established relationships with a pediatrician most often took their children to RCs for care because access was convenient. Almost half the visits occurred when the pediatricians’ offices were likely open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M. Garbutt
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO,Department of Medicine, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Kathy M. Mandrell
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Melissa Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Randall Sterkel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO,St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jay Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Jerome O’Neil
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Blaine Sayre
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Harold Sitrin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Kristin Stahl
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert C. Strunk
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University St Louis, St. Louis, MO
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Reid RO, Ashwood JS, Friedberg MW, Weber ES, Setodji CM, Mehrotra A. Retail clinic visits and receipt of primary care. J Gen Intern Med 2013; 28:504-12. [PMID: 23070656 PMCID: PMC3599015 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-012-2243-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of patients are visiting retail clinics for simple acute conditions. Physicians worry that visits to retail clinics will interfere with primary care relationships. No prior study has evaluated the impact of retail clinics on receipt of primary care. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between retail clinic use and receipt of key primary care functions. DESIGN We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using commercial insurance claims from 2007 to 2009. PATIENTS We identified patients who had a visit for a simple acute condition in 2008, the "index visit". We divided these 127,358 patients into two cohorts according to the location of that index visit: primary care provider (PCP) versus retail clinic. MAIN MEASURES We evaluated three functions of primary care: (1) where patients first sought care for subsequent simple acute conditions; (2) continuity of care using the Bice-Boxerman index; and (3) preventive care and diabetes management. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compared care received in the 365 days following the index visit to care received in the 365 days prior, using propensity score weights to account for selection bias. KEY RESULTS Visiting a retail clinic instead of a PCP for the index visit was associated with a 27.7 visits per 100 patients differential reduction (p < 0 .001) in subsequent PCP visits for new simple acute conditions. Visiting a retail clinic instead of a PCP was also associated with decreased subsequent continuity of care (10.9 percentage-point differential reduction in Bice-Boxerman index, p < 0 .001). There was no differential change between the cohorts in receipt of preventive care or diabetes management. CONCLUSIONS Retail clinics may disrupt two aspects of primary care: whether patients go to a PCP first for new conditions and continuity of care. However, they do not negatively impact preventive care or diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel O. Reid
- />University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - J. Scott Ashwood
- />RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- />H. John Heinz School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Mark W. Friedberg
- />RAND Corporation, Boston, MA USA
- />Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- />Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ellerie S. Weber
- />University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- />RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- />H. John Heinz School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | | | - Ateev Mehrotra
- />University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- />RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- />RAND Corporation, Boston, MA USA
- />University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 230 McKee Place, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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Abstract
The primary care workforce shortage will be magnified by the growing elderly population and expanded coverage as a result of health care reform initiatives. The pharmacist workforce consists of community-based health care professionals who are well trained and highly accessible, yet underutilized. Some health care professionals have advocated that primary care teams should include pharmacists with complementary skills to those of the physician to achieve quality improvement goals and enhance primary care practice efficiencies. New primary care delivery models such as medical homes, health neighborhoods, and accountable care organizations provide opportunities for pharmacists to become integral members of primary care interdisciplinary teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A Smith
- Practice and Public Policy Partnerships, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA.
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From cottage industry to a dominant mode of primary care: Stages in the diffusion of a health care innovation (retail clinics). Soc Sci Med 2012; 75:1134-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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