Mobility Clinic COVID-19 Pandemic Patient Outreach Program

Milligan, James; Parikh, Ruchi; Beuermann, Lindsay; Labach, Daniel; Bauman, Craig; Kuzych, Lissa

Research Objectives To proactively identify risks that may be exacerbated by the pandemic and mitigate them where possible, a primary care outreach program was developed. Design The screening algorithm was developed by our interdisciplinary Mobility Clinic team, and focuses on 5 domains: health destabilization, mental health, access to services and supports, social isolation, and caregiver stress. The algorithm was administered by phone and any risks identified received further investigation by the team. We used the opportunity to educate patients about the risks of COVID-19 and protective measures. Follow-up continued every 6-8 weeks throughout the duration of the pandemic. Setting The program was developed and implemented in a primary care Mobility Clinic. Participants The algorithm was administered by phone to individuals identified as past and current Mobility Clinic patients. A total of 107 unique patients were contacted, 76 who were male and 31 who were female. 74 patients were identified as having a spinal cord injury (SCI). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures An evaluation of this outreach program involved a description of the patient population contacted, the identification of common risks for patients, and patient satisfaction with the program. Results Some of the most common questionnaire responses by patients with SCI included feelings of stress and/or anxiety and a reduction in Personal Support Worker services leading to increased caregiver stress. Conclusions The outreach program helps us to proactively identify risks for individuals with SCI, including stress, anxiety, and decreased Personal Support Worker services. Through the program, we are able to address these concerns and provide follow-up. Risk assessment and care at the primary care level can mitigate adverse events and hospitalizations, which is especially important during a pandemic situation when healthcare and hospital resources are limited. Author(s) Disclosures Dr. James Milligan would like to disclose a relationship with Eisai Pharmaceuticals. Please see the attached disclosure forms for more details. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose.