scholarly journals Follow-Up Rates at a Free Ophthalmology Clinic at a Homeless Shelter

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. e51-e56
Author(s):  
Lauren Hennein ◽  
Kimberly A. Spaulding ◽  
Veronika Karlegan ◽  
Ogonna N. Nnamani Silva ◽  
Alejandra G. de Alba Campomanes

Abstract Objective Eye health among the homeless community is important, as poor vision makes this population vulnerable and adds significantly to the social and health burden. There is limited knowledge on patient follow-up rates for their eye conditions and barriers to accessing care in this population. The purpose of this retrospective chart review study is to examine follow-up rates and barriers to care for patients referred from a free, medical-student run ophthalmology clinic at a homeless shelter. Methods All patients evaluated at a free ophthalmology clinic from September 2017 to September 2018 were included; no patients were excluded. If indicated, patients were referred for advanced ophthalmologic care at a local county hospital and free eyeglasses at a nonprofit organization. Primary outcomes were follow-up rates at the county hospital and nonprofit organization. Secondary outcomes included prespecified baseline variables hypothesized to be associated with follow-up rates. These categorical variables were compared with Chi-square testing to determine their association with follow-up rates. The hypothesis being tested was formulated before data collection. Results Of the 68 patients, 84% were males with a mean age of 50 years. Overall, 40 patients were referred for free eyeglasses and 17 to the county hospital. Of those referred, 14 patients presented for free eyeglasses and 7 presented to the county hospital. About 79% of patients with a pre-established primary care provider presented to their appointment compared with 20% of those without one (p = 0.03). The 44% of patients with a high school diploma presented while all patients without a high school diploma failed to present (p = 0.04). Vision-threatening conditions identified at the shelter clinic did not affect follow-up rates (p = 0.79). Conclusion Less than half of referred patients in our study presented to their appointments. Barriers to presentation included no primary care provider and lower educational status, with no improvement in follow-up rates among those referred for vision-threatening conditions. Interventions such as health coaching with particular attention to educating patients on the effects of vision-threatening conditions may be warranted, particularly for those not looped into the health care system and those of lower educational attainment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110002
Author(s):  
Tarika Srinivasan ◽  
Erica J. Sutton ◽  
Annika T. Beck ◽  
Idali Cuellar ◽  
Valentina Hernandez ◽  
...  

Introduction: Minority communities have had limited access to advances in genomic medicine. Mayo Clinic and Mountain Park Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Phoenix, Arizona, partnered to assess the feasibility of offering genomic screening to Latino patients receiving care at a community-based health center. We examined primary care provider (PCP) experiences reporting genomic screening results and integrating those results into patient care. Methods: We conducted open-ended, semi-structured interviews with PCPs and other members of the health care team charged with supporting patients who received positive genomic screening results. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Results: Of the 500 patients who pursued genomic screening, 10 received results indicating a genetic variant that warranted clinical management. PCPs felt genomic screening was valuable to patients and their families, and that genomic research should strive to include underrepresented minorities. Providers identified multiple challenges integrating genomic sequencing into patient care, including difficulties maintaining patient contact over time; arranging follow-up medical care; and managing results in an environment with limited genetics expertise. Providers also reflected on the ethics of offering genomic sequencing to patients who may not be able to pursue diagnostic testing or follow-up care due to financial constraints. Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential benefits and challenges of bringing advances in precision medicine to community-based health centers serving under-resourced populations. By proactively considering patient support needs, and identifying financial assistance programs and patient-referral mechanisms to support patients who may need specialized medical care, PCPs and other health care providers can help to ensure that precision medicine lives up to its full potential as a tool for improving patient care.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane A Anderson ◽  
Barbara Kimmel ◽  
Kirt Martin ◽  
Anette Ovalle ◽  
Chizoba Ifeorah ◽  
...  

Background: Administrative claims data show variability in post-acute stroke care. Stroke survivors without health insurance are not included in claims data statistics. The PASES survey was developed and tested to describe stroke care experience of underserved survivors participating in V-STOP a telehealth self-management program. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed to elicit feedback from survivors on experiences during their stroke event, emergency and hospital care, and after discharge. Items on PASES were established based on participants’ responses and survey was piloted in a sample of underserved survivors (N=95). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were applied to describe stroke survivors’ experiences and differences based on health insurance status. Results: The sample was 45% female, mean age 57, 18% Black and 60% Hispanic. Most (60%) had an annual income of less than $25,000 and 44% had no insurance. Only 25% reported calling 911. However (60%) report presenting to a hospital within 2 hours of stroke symptoms recognition. Nearly half (42%) reported not knowing whether they received a “clot dissolving” medication. Fifty-four percent did not receive rehabilitation after discharge. Eighty-percent reported seeing a healthcare provider after discharge. Most (61%) saw a primary care provider and 22% saw a neurologist. However, only 24% reported seeing a provider within one month of hospital discharge. No significant differences were identified between insured vs. uninsured with respect to race, ethnicity, income, calling 911, receiving inpatient rehab, seeing a provider after discharge and follow up with primary care provider vs. neurologist. Significant differences were identified between insured vs. uninsured with respect to presenting to a hospital within 2 hours of stroke symptoms (35 vs 18 [p=0.023]) and in receiving no rehab after discharge (27 vs 12 [p=0.02]). Conclusion: Results suggest low utilization of EMS, delayed presentation to hospital, limited access to rehabilitation after discharge and limited access to timely follow-up with stroke specialist among underserved stroke survivors. Health insurance status may influence delayed hospital presentation and access to rehabilitation services.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 690-693
Author(s):  
Marissa A. Hendrickson ◽  
Eta Obeya ◽  
Andrew R. Wey ◽  
Philippe R. Gaillard

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 392-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Misky ◽  
Heidi L. Wald ◽  
Eric A. Coleman

JAMA Surgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 149 (8) ◽  
pp. 821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin S. Brooke ◽  
David H. Stone ◽  
Jack L. Cronenwett ◽  
Brian Nolan ◽  
Randall R. DeMartino ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Griffiths ◽  
Gaibrie Stephen ◽  
Tara Kiran ◽  
Karen Okrainec

Abstract Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are at high-risk of readmission after hospital discharge. There is conflicting evidence however on whether timely follow-up with a primary care provider reduces that risk. The objective of this study is to understand the perspectives of patients with COPD and CHF, and their caregivers, on the role of primary care provider follow-up after hospital discharge. Methods A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was conducted among patients or their family caregivers admitted with COPD or CHF who were enrolled in a randomized controlled study at three acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Participants were interviewed between December 2017 to January 2019, the majority discharged from hospital at least 30 days prior to their interview. Interviews were analyzed independently by three authors using a deductive directed content analysis, with the fourth author cross-comparing themes. Results Interviews with 16 participants (eight patients and eight caregivers) revealed four main themes. First, participants valued visiting their primary care provider after discharge to build upon their longitudinal relationship. Second, primary care providers played a key role in coordinating care. Third, there were mixed views on the ideal time for follow-up, with many participants expressing a desire to delay follow-up to stabilize following their acute hospitalization. Fourth, the link between the post-discharge visit and preventing hospital readmissions was unclear to participants, who often self-triaged based on their symptoms when deciding on the need for emergency care. Conclusions Patients and caregivers valued in-person follow-up with their primary care provider following discharge from hospital because of the trust established through pre-existing longitudinal relationships. Our results suggest policy makers should focus on improving rates of primary care provider attachment and systems supporting informational continuity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-439
Author(s):  
Samuel H. Friedman ◽  
Chinazo O. Cunningham ◽  
Juan Lin ◽  
Linda B. Haramati ◽  
Jeffrey M. Levsky

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S73-S73
Author(s):  
K. Eppler ◽  
D. Wang ◽  
T.P. Pollak ◽  
E.S. Lang

Introduction: Hypertension is common and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because it is asymptomatic, its diagnosis is often delayed. For many Canadians the Emergency Department (ED) is the only point of entry to the health care system, and therefore the recognition of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension in the ED is increasingly important. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence and severity of hypertension in patients presenting to Calgary area EDs, as well as to determine whether medical therapy was initiated and if patients had primary care providers for follow-up. Methods: Multi-centre electronic medical record (EMR) review of all adult patients presenting to Calgary area EDs from January 1, 2016 to December 31st, 2016. Hypertension was coded electronically by triage nurses and defined as systolic blood pressure SBP 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure DBP 90 mmHg. Hypertensive urgency was defined as SBP 180 mmHg and/or DBP 120 mmHg. Descriptive data was used to show patient demographics and hypertension prevalence. Primary care provider status, previous diagnosis of hypertension, chief complaint, and ED diagnoses were extracted and the EMRs were manually searched to determine whether treatment was initiated in the ED. Results: Of 304392 patients presenting to all Calgary sites, 43055 (14%) were found to have hypertension; mean age 52 (range 18 to 104), female 42%. Of these, 32986 (77%) had no known previous hypertension and 31% lacked a primary care provider. 0.2% had documentation of treatment initiated in the ED. 16% met criteria for hypertensive urgency. Conclusion: Many patients presenting to the ED have hypertension, often previously undiagnosed and at times severe. Many lack access to primary care. EDs may play an important role in the early recognition of hypertension. Dedicated management and follow-up pathways are indicated for this high-risk population.


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