Abstract
Introduction
Our Burn Center provides care to persons living in southeast area of our State. Patients residing in this area sometimes have low socioeconomic status (SES), and are often unable to return to burn clinic for continued care due to transportation barriers. Typically driving distance is over 80 miles involving ferry access, taking two or more hours each way. The aim of this quality improvement project was to examine the feasibility of a free transportation program for low SES patients who have barriers to transportation.
Methods
Our first step was to assess transportation needs. We started with a patient survey in clinic to determine if patients would be interested in free transportation and if the service would increase access to care. Survey with six questions was used to assess needs.
Results
We surveyed ten patients during burn clinic to determine if transportation would increase access to care. Nine patients responded positively and found transportation would be beneficial. One responded that he would not use it as he would use clinic appointment as opportunity to vacation in the area.
Funding was secured from our School of Medicine. Community transportation providers were contacted and pricing was obtained. Transportation van was contracted with existing vender. Transportation is now available to patients with burn clinic appointments. We hope to expand to other clinics in the hospital in the future. The Transportation program will assist patients with access to care, compliance, decrease non-emergent Emergency Department visits and 30-day readmissions.
Conclusions
Transportation assistance for socioeconomically disadvantaged burn patients to follow up in clinic is needed. Nine out of ten patients surveyed were willing to use free transportation. We obtained funding to start a free transportation program once a month. This project began in October 2019.
We have begun a once-a-month transportation assistance service to determine ridership and continued need. Twice monthly assistance may be needed and will be assessed over time. Our goal is ultimately to expand the program to include other clinics.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Free transportation program can assist patients with access to care, compliance, and decrease non-emergent Emergency Department visits and 30-day readmissions.
Front door to post-take: an interdepartmental quality improvement project to enhance patient journeys from emergency department triage through to the medical post-take review
