Children with medical complexity (CMC) represent a growing population with high emergency department (ED) utilization. How to reduce preventable ED visits is poorly understood. This study from HIP Investigator Dr. Ryan Coller sought to determine what components of ambulatory care programs focused on CMC were most effective in preventing ED visits.
Sixteen included studies described outpatient interventions to prevent ED utilization. Of these, studies that included 24/7 access to knowledgeable providers for acute care needs by phone (telehealth) or expedited or next-day appointments were the most consistently successful in reducing ED visits. Current research suggests that real-time access to knowledgeable providers and expedited appointments can prevent ED visits.
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