Characterizing attendance patterns at a multidisciplinary pediatric obesity clinic

Morrow, Anne S.; Sandridge, Shanda; Herring, Whitney; King, Krista; Lanciers, S; Lim, Crystal S.

doi:10.1080/02739615.2020.1740884

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 43 publications

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“…Unfortunately, many tertiary care clinics are unable to meet the overwhelming demand due to limited capacity and difficulty engaging patients and their families in treatment [25]. While a number of pediatric weight management clinics have attempted to address logistical concerns and demographic characteristics that predict engagement and attendance patterns [26][27][28], the present study examined a clinic initiative to triage patient referrals while prioritizing limited clinic slots for patients and families demonstrating interest and readiness to engage in lifestyle changes to address excess weight. Results indicate that efforts to address a backlog of patient referrals were efficacious and efficient.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Waitlist management in a pediatric weight management clinic: implementing an orientation session

et al. 2021

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Background This study evaluates implementation of an orientation session to address a waitlist of more than 2000 referrals to a pediatric weight management clinic in the Mid-South United States. Methods An hour-long group-based orientation to the pediatric weight management clinic was implemented to provide information about the structure and expectations of the clinic as well as education on healthy lifestyle recommendations. Families were contacted from the waitlist by telephone and invited to attend an orientation session prior to scheduling a clinic appointment. Results Of 2251 patients contacted from the waitlist, 768 scheduled an orientation session, of which 264 (34 %) attended. Of the 264 orientation participants, 246 (93 %) scheduled a clinic appointment. Of those, 193 (79 %) completed a clinic visit. Waitlist times decreased from 297.8 ± 219.4 days prior to implementation of orientation sessions to 104.1 ± 219.4 days after. Conclusions Orientation has been an effective and efficient way to triage patient referrals while maximizing attendance in limited clinic slots for patients and families demonstrating interest and motivation. Elements of this approach are likely generalizable to other pediatric clinical settings that must strategically manage a large volume of patient referrals.

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