Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore how the See-and-Treat concept can be applied in primary care and its effect on volume and productivity.DesignAn explanatory single-case study design with a mixed methods approach and presented according to the SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines.SettingA publicly-funded, private primary care provider within the Stockholm County, which caters to a diverse patient population in terms of ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status and care needs.ParticipantsCEO, center manager, four physicians, two licensed practical nurses, one medical secretary and one lab assistant.InterventionA See-and-Treat unit was established to offer same-day service for acute unplanned visits. Standardized patient symptom forms were created that allowed patients to self-triage and then enter into a streamlined care process consisting of a quick diagnostic lab and a physician visit.Main Outcome MeasuresVolume, productivity, staff perceptions and patient satisfaction were measured through data on number and type of contacts per 1000 listed patients, visits per physician, observations, interviews and a questionnaire.ResultsA significant decrease in the acute and total number of visits, a continued trend of diminishing telephone contacts, and a non-significant increase in physician productivity. Patients were very satisfied, and staff perceived an improved quality of care.ConclusionsSee-and-Treat appears to be a viable approach for a specific primary care patient segment interested in acute same-day-service. Opening up access and standardizing care made it possible to efficiently address these needs and engage patients.
Highlights
Primary healthcare centers (PHCC) are designed to be patients’ first point of access for non-urgent, chronic and preventive care services
We found several examples of ‘mission creep’ where limitations imposed by the symptom forms were ignored or overruled
This study describes how a See-and-Treat process tailored to meet the needs of patients with less severe conditions in an efficient manner may be a new model for primary care to consider
Summary
Primary healthcare centers (PHCC) are designed to be patients’ first point of access for non-urgent, chronic and preventive care services. This role encompasses responsibility for the provision of accessible, continued, comprehensive and coordinated care [1]. Despite this well-defined role, long waiting times hinder access to care [2]. This can lead to the inefficient use of other health system entry points [3] such as emergency departments (EDs), which can lead to overcrowding and risk patient safety. It has been suggested that the inclusion of physicians could increase the benefits [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
