CP12 - Leveraging Pediatric Clinic Visits to Improve Access to Primary Care in Adult Family Members/Caregivers

Poster Type: Research

Primary Funding Source: Health Resources and Services Administration

Category: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: There are significant disparities between adult primary care participation rates and those amongst children. This study aims to use pediatric patient encounters to engage adult family members and caregivers to increase awareness of and access to primary care services available to adults within a target health center patient population.

Study Design/Methods: Through additive steps in the care team workflow, adults accompanying pediatric patients on scheduled outpatient visits were queried about their access to a primary care provider (PCP). Adults that were found not to have a PCP were offered the opportunity to establish with a PCP at the participating clinic as soon as practical for the provider and patient. Adults with PCPs but in need of services were offered assistance with coordinating a visit with their provider.

Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: Approximately 50% of the adults queried as part of this project did not have a PCP, but had interest in utilizing primary care services. Of those interested in primary care services, many were interested in scheduling an appointment within the health center where the pediatric patient they accompanied was seen for care. Adults without a PCP that were interested in receiving services were able to receive assistance with scheduling at the time of the pediatric encounter. This project also facilitated scheduling appointments within the health center for participants who already had a PCP within or outside the health center network.

Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: While the benefits of routine primary and preventative care services are well established, adult primary care participation rates lag behind pediatric primary care participation rates. Pediatric patient encounters can provide an opportunity to engage with adult family members and caregivers to increase awareness of and access to primary care services. Pediatric clinic visits proved to be effective in facilitating access to primary care in caregivers within The Wright Center for Community Health. The strategies used can be shared with other clinics to determine if there is potential for adaptation to facilitate access to quality primary care services.

Authors: 

Rebecca Kenderes, PA-C, Director of Student Health and PA Services, The Wright Center for Community Health 

Ebony Whisenant, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Primary Care Transformation Executive Fellowship Program Director, A.T. Still University 

Surekha Appikatla, MPH, Data Informatics Specialist, Department of Public Health, A.T. Still University 

Debosree Roy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, A.T. Still University 

Malissa Ellsworth, MBA, Post-Award Project Manager, Sponsored Programs, A.T. Still University 

Joy Lewis, DO, Ph.D., Professor, Medicine and Public Health Chair, Department of Public Health, A.T. Still University