The Right Care, for the Right Patient, at the Right Time, by the Right Provider: A Value-based Comparison of the Management of Ambulatory Patients With Acute Health Concerns in walk-in Clinics, Primary Care Physician Practices and Emergency Departments

Launched by SIMON BERTHELOT · May 26, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best ways to provide care for patients with minor health issues who visit different types of healthcare facilities, such as emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and primary care practices. The goal is to understand whether in-person visits or virtual consultations (like telemedicine) are more effective and cost-efficient for treating conditions like sore throats, coughs, and muscle aches. By comparing these care settings, the researchers hope to help patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers choose the right place to seek care for specific health concerns.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have one of the health complaints listed, such as fever or shortness of breath. Importantly, you should be able to walk and not require ambulance transport. If you join, you can expect to answer questions about your experience with the care you received and follow up with researchers for additional information after your visit. This trial aims to gather valuable information that can improve how we manage urgent health issues in the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• We shall include patients:
• • 1. aged 18 years and over;
• • 2. seen in person or via telemedicine in an ED, a walk-in clinic, or the primary care practice where they are registered;
• • 3. ambulatory during the entire visit or consultation;
• 4. with one of the following presenting complaints:
• • 1. acute diarrheas, defined as at least one day (24h) reported with three or more loose or liquid stools in the last seven days;
• • 2. Sore throat;
• • 3. Nasal congestion;
• • 4. Increased or purulent nasal discharge;
• • 5. Earache or ear discharge;
• • 6. Shortness of breath;
• • 7. Cough;
• • 8. Increased or purulent sputum;
• • 9. Muscle aches;
• • 10. Anosmia;
• • 11. Dysgeusia;
• • 12. Burning urine;
• • 13. Urinary frequency and urgency;
• • 14. Dysuria;
• • 15. Limb traumatic injury;
• • 16. Cervical, thoracic or lumbar back pain;
• • 17. Fever.
• We shall exclude patients:
• • 1. transported by ambulance;
• • 2. not covered by the provincial health insurance plan;
• • 3. having consulted for a similar problem in the previous 30 days since patients with refractory disease represent a population with different care needs.;
• • 4. living in a long-term healthcare facility or incarcerated;
• • 5. with cognitive impairment that prevents reliable answers to the research questions;
• • 6. receiving palliative care.