Immigrants and marginalized communities often experience higher rates of missed (no-show) appointments, leading to delayed medical care. Factors at the patient level contributing to missed appointments include limited access to transportation, work conflicts, language barriers, and miscommunication. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these pre-existing healthcare access challenges.
In response to the ongoing pandemic and statewide lockdown measures in the US, the Shifa Community Clinic (SCC) embraced telemedicine to ensure continuous access to care for its patients. Roughly 70% of SCC patients live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. To ensure consistent care for high-risk chronic disease patients susceptible to atherosclerotic cardiac disease (ASCVD), telehealth services were implemented, wherein students and supervising physicians remotely provided care. Post-pandemic, SCC continued offering hybrid appointments to enhance patient compliance.
The swift adoption of telemedicine during the pandemic offered valuable insights into its utility and effectiveness. I conducted a retrospective study at the non-profit Shifa Community Clinic to evaluate whether telehealth appointments act as a catalyst for improving patient adherence to scheduled appointments. Additionally, I assessed patient acceptability, comfort, and satisfaction with telemedicine appointments compared to in-person visits. I analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from Patient EMR records and patient survey questionnaires for this research study. The results of this study demonstrate that telemedicine can safely and effectively diagnose patients, reducing travel time and healthcare costs, particularly in areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities.
I am grateful for the UCGHI Mass Stipend Award, which facilitated covering travel expenses to present my research findings at the National Association of Free Charitable Clinics (NAFC) in Palm Springs and the American College of Physicians Conference (ACP) at Sandford University. Additionally, leveraging this grant, I supported Shifa diabetic patients by providing free blood glucose monitors and vision oculars. A segment of these funds was allocated towards procuring dental clinic supplies, enabling diabetic patients to undergo free dental screenings. Moreover, through the grant's funding, I donated printers and desktop PCs to the clinic to establish a platform for conducting telehealth appointments. Shifa Community Clinic Patients and I will be forever thankful to the UCGHI Mass Program for their contribution.
