Examining Patient Outcomes at a Faculty-Led Clinic for Uninsured and Underserved Clients

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.