The Value of a Rapid Access Internal Medicine Clinic – An Observational Perspective
Main Article Content
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.
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