A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine reveals effective strategies to improve primary care access for older adults. The research indicates that combining Medicare annual wellness visits with problem-focused appointments can enhance visit completion rates and reduce no-show occurrences.
In a significant quality improvement initiative, researchers from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University implemented a nine-month program across five clinics targeting Medicare patients aged 65 and older. By scheduling longer, combined appointments of 40 minutes, they allowed patients to address both wellness and specific health concerns in a single visit with their usual clinician. This approach resulted in an increase in annual wellness visit completion rates from 8.4% to 50.8%.
Additionally, the study found that patients were less likely to miss appointments when seen by their regular clinician, with no-show rates at 11.9% for combined visits compared to 19.6% for wellness-only appointments. This dual-visit model also facilitated improved screenings for various health measures, including depression, cancer, and chronic diseases.
Innovative Automation Improves Patient Engagement
A complementary article in the journal outlines a project by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, focusing on automating pre-visit test ordering and scheduling. This initiative aims to streamline the process for older adults at a community internal medicine practice. By utilizing the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, the team identified patients eligible for annual wellness visits and routine screenings.
Through an Epic Campaign, the clinic automated test orders due in the upcoming six months and sent messages via the patient portal three weeks prior to appointments. Patients were also invited to identify up to three health concerns they wanted to discuss. This proactive communication resulted in about 3,500 patients receiving automated messages, with an impressive 81% reading the communication and 27% responding.
Patients expressed satisfaction with completing tests before their visits, enabling clinicians to discuss results during appointments. This process has reportedly reduced the need for post-visit communications regarding test results, leading to fewer cancellations after pre-testing.
The findings from both studies highlight critical areas for improvement in primary care for older adults. As the population ages, addressing these barriers becomes increasingly vital for ensuring effective healthcare delivery.
The Annals of Family Medicine serves as a valuable resource, providing a platform for innovative research impacting primary care. Established in May 2003, the journal is backed by several prestigious family medical organizations and is committed to disseminating evidence-based information to enhance patient care.
For more details, visit the journal’s website at www.AnnFamMed.org.
