The misuse of convenient care and importance of establishing a primary care provider

Author

Bailey M. Johnston, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow
Amanda LT Hawkins, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Bernadette Sobczak

Project Team Faculty Member

Terri Furfaro

Keywords

primary care, urgent care, convenient care, misuse of services, importance of primary care

Abstract

Over the last decade, there has been substantial increase in the use of urgent care (UC) and convenient care (CC) clinics nationwide. While these clinics are valued and serve a purpose in our communities, more patients are utilizing their services exclusively in place of primary care (PC), resulting in millions of Americans not receiving essential preventative care and chronic disease management. An extensive literature review evaluated current and effective interventions used to decrease inappropriate use of CC clinics, while simultaneously exploring strategies in increasing patient compliance with routine comprehensive health management. Based on literature review findings, an education-based project was implemented at a rural CC clinic that serves a large volume of patients without a primary care provider (PCP). Over an eight-week implementation phase, an educational template was electronically incorporated into patient discharge instructions and reviewed verbally by the convenient care provider (CCP). The template explained current definition and scope of practice of emergency departments, UC, CC, and PC clinics. Additionally, the template outlined which respective establishment to visit for numerous common ailments and important health care needs. A total of forty-six patients were identified without a PCP. The patients were counseled and given the printed education. Through initial interview, thirty percent of these patients were found to misunderstand the purpose of the CC clinic. Following counsel and education delivery, forty-eight percent of patients without a PCP reported new motivation to establish care with one. The CCP, who dually served as project stakeholder, reported positive feedback regarding the educational tool and found it valuable, despite COVID-19 barriers and limitations. The CCP continues to use the tool in daily practice and has shared it amongst fellow providers for use. It is recommended that our exploration into the misuse of this CC clinic be furthered with future project implementations that may focus on the role of the current patient advocate coordinator.

Recommended Citation

Johnston, Bailey M. and Hawkins, Amanda LT, "The misuse of convenient care and importance of establishing a primary care provider" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 153.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/153

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