Fan CW, Drumheller K, Rodriguez M. Examining Patient Outcomes at a Faculty-Led Clinic for Uninsured and Underserved Clients.
Am J Occup Ther 2023;
77:7704205170. [PMID:
37595280 DOI:
10.5014/ajot.2023.050024]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
Routine measurements used in clinical settings can foster evidence-based interventions and show the treatment effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of occupational therapy services for health outcomes, as determined by modified self-care and mobility items of the Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation Tool, also known as Section GG.
DESIGN
Retrospective and longitudinal. Data were obtained from medical records at four time points over 1 yr.
SETTING
The study took place at a pro bono, faculty-led clinic.
PARTICIPANTS
Ninety-one client charts were reviewed; 64 (70%) clients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled.
INTERVENTIONS
Interventions were provided by registered occupational therapists and entry-level occupational therapy students under supervision.
OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Self-care and mobility function were measured using modified GG0130 and GG0170 items from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Quality Reporting Program; three additional functional items were added. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Version 2® (SF-36v2) was used to evaluate clients' quality of life at intake.
RESULTS
Self-care and mobility composites significantly improved throughout the 1-yr intervention period. The additional functional composite significantly improved during the first 6 mo. Clients' scores on the physical function subdomain of the SF-36v2 were significantly related to their self-care, mobility, and additional functional items.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Faculty-led clinics can improve the occupational performance of clients in need of occupational therapy services, particularly in the areas of self-care and mobility, which have previously been identified as top priorities for clients. What This Article Adds: This study addressed health disparities in unique and effective ways. By using objective measures of functional mobility and self-care, the study provides robust evidence of the faculty-led clinic's impact in providing underserved and uninsured communities with effective client-centered occupational therapy services.
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