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ABSTRACT: Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common gastrointestinal disorders accounting for a significant demand for specialty care. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety, access and outcomes of patients assessed by a nurse-led, shared medical appointment.Methods
This prospective observational study utilized a sample of 770 patients referred to a gastroenterology Central Access and Triage for routine GERD, dyspepsia or IBS from 2011 to 2014. Patient demographics, clinical indication, frequency and outcomes of endoscopy, quality of life, wait times and long-term outcomes (>2 years) were compared between 411 patients assigned to a nurse-led, shared medical appointment and 359 patients assigned to clinic for a gastroenterology physician consultation.Results
The nurse-led, shared medical appointment pathway compared with usual care pathway had shorter median wait times (12.6 weeks versus 137.1 weeks, P < 0.0001), fewer endoscopic exams (50.9% versus 76.3%, P < 0.0001), less gastroenterology re-referrals (4.6% versus 15.6%, P < 0.0001), and reduced visits to the emergency department (6.1% versus 12.0%, P = 0.004). After two years of follow-up, outcomes were no different between the pathways.Conclusions
Patients with GERD, IBS or dyspepsia who attend the nurse-led, shared medical appointment have improved access to care and reduced resource utilization without increased risk of significant gastrointestinal outcomes after two years of follow-up.
SUBMITTER: Novak KL
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7165260 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Novak Kerri L KL Halasz Jennifer J Andrews Christopher C Johnston Colleen C Schoombee Willem W Tanyingoh Divine D Kaplan Gilaad G GG van Zanten Sander Veldhuyzen SV Swain Mark M
Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology 20181024 2
<h4>Background</h4>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common gastrointestinal disorders accounting for a significant demand for specialty care. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety, access and outcomes of patients assessed by a nurse-led, shared medical appointment.<h4>Methods</h4>This prospective observational study utilized a sample of 770 patients referred to a gastroenterology Central Access and Triage for routine GERD, dyspepsia ...[more]