Title | A Medical Student-Run Telehealth Primary Care Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Maintaining Care for the Underserved. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Bliss JW, Yau A, Beideck E, Novak JSS, d'Andrea FB, Blobel NJ, Batavia AS, Charney P |
Journal | J Prim Care Community Health |
Volume | 13 |
Pagination | 21501319221114831 |
Date Published | 2022 Jan-Dec |
ISSN | 2150-1327 |
Keywords | COVID-19, Humans, Pandemics, Primary Health Care, Retrospective Studies, Student Run Clinic, Students, Medical, Telemedicine |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: In this report, we outline our approach to implementing a hybrid in-person and virtual clinic model at a student-run free clinic (SRFC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) are at an increased risk for COVID-19 infection and severe clinical outcomes. It is unclear if telehealth is a viable continuity of care enabler for the underserved. METHODS: The Weill Cornell Community Clinic (WCCC) implemented a novel telehealth clinic model to serve uninsured patients in May 2020. A phone survey of was conducted to assess WCCC patients access to technology needed for telehealth visits (eg, personal computers, smartphones). Patient no-show rates were retrospectively assessed for both in-person (pre-pandemic) and hybrid continuity of care models. RESULTS: The phone survey found that 90% of WCCC patients had access to technology needed for telehealth visits. In the 8 months following implementation of the hybrid model, telehealth and in-person no-show rates were 11% (14/128) and 15% (10/67) respectively; the combined hybrid no-show rate was 12% (24/195). For comparison, the in-person 2019 no-show rate was 23% (84/367). This study aligns with previous reports that telehealth improves patient attendance. CONCLUSION: Literature on the transition of SRFCs from in-person to telehealth care delivery models is limited. At the WCCC, the reduction in no-show rates supports the feasibility and benefits of adopting telehealth for the delivery of care to underserved patient populations. We believe the hybrid telehealth model described here is a viable model for other student run free clinics to increase access to care in low SES communities. |
DOI | 10.1177/21501319221114831 |
Alternate Journal | J Prim Care Community Health |
PubMed ID | 35920022 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC9358338 |
Grant List | T32 GM007739 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States |
Submitted by bel2021 on August 23, 2022 - 10:11am