Impact of nurse practitioner navigation on access to care for patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Background:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive complaint that can negatively affect patients' quality of life and have serious complications if inadequately treated.Local problem:Facilitating prompt and efficient access to digestive care is imperative especially given the current burden of gastrointestinal diseases such as GERD.Methods:A clinical team conducted a quality improvement study in which a nurse practitioner (NP) navigator performed a preconsultation chart review for patients with refractory GERD referred to an Esophagus Center between August and December 2018.Interventions:Based on preconsultation chart review, the NP navigator arranged for diagnostic testing and follow-up. Days from consultation to testing completion and establishment of plan were tracked and compared with historic controls. The NP navigator documented time spent for chart review and care coordination.Results:The median number of days from consultation to testing completion for patients who underwent NP navigation and required diagnostic testing (n = 26) was 33.5 as compared with 64.5 for historic controls who required testing but received usual care (n = 28) (p =.005). The median number of days from consultation to establishment of a management plan was 52 for patients who underwent NP navigation as compared with 97 for historic controls who did not (p =.005). The mean amount of time spent by the NP navigator for chart review and care coordination was 17.5 min (n = 30).Conclusions:Incorporation of NP navigators into gastroenterology practices offers a potential solution for timelier patient care delivery.