The Value of a Rapid Access Internal Medicine Clinic – An Observational Perspective
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Keywords
Ambulatory, Clinic, Internal Medicine, Rapid Access
Abstract
Background: Rapid access Internal Medicine (IM) clinics aim to reduce burden on inpatient services. Despite an increased prevalence of these clinics across Canada, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating their value.
Methods: An observational retrospective review was undertaken to identify the usage of our IM clinic. A prospective analysis of Internal Medicine Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) diverted admissions and a subsequent cost benefit analysis was performed.
Results: Referrals were primarily from emergency room physicians (47%) and general practitioners (34%). Of the requests for admission over a 4 week period, 6.1% were diverted with clinic follow-up within four days. Over $30,000 of inpatient care costs were prevented over the study period.
Conclusion: Rapid access IM clinics help reduce demand on emergency departments and inpatient services. A significant percentage of hospital admissions may be avoided by implementing rapid access clinics. Further study is needed to better quantify the overall benefit.
References
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Ryan Joseph LeBlanc, Vancouver Coastal Health Vancouver Island Health Authority University of British Columbia
Internal Medicine Resident - PGY-3
Vancouver Island Health Authority
University of British Columbia
Department of Internal Medicine
Karmen Jongewaard, Vancouver Coastal Health Vancouver Island Health Authority University of British Columbia
Internal Medicine Fellow - PGY-4Vancouver Island Health Authority
University of British Columbia
Department of Internal Medicine
Laura Farrell, Vancouver Island Health Authority University of British Columbia
General Internist
Clinical Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Assistant Dean
Faculty of Medicine
University of British Columbia
Department of Internal Medicine