Summary of the Shared Medical Appointment
| Cooperative Health Care Clinic (CHCC) | Disease-Specific CHCC | Drop-In Group Medical Appointments (DIGMA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Population | Chronically ill seniors High utilizers of service Same patients each month |
Patients with specific diagnosis Core group of patients who come monthly as well as new patients |
Established patients needing follow-up care Different patients each week |
| Health Care Team | MD, RN, MA | MD, RN/health educator, MA | MD, behavioral health specialist, MA |
| Meeting Frequency | Monthly: Same day, time and location | Monthly: Same day, time and location As often as disease-specific guidelines recommend |
Weekly: Same day, time and location |
| Length of Meeting | 1.5 hours plus 1 hour post for selected private visits | May vary between 1 and 4 hours | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Number of Patients | Desire 15 to 20 | Desire 15 to 30 | Desire 12 patients + caregivers/family |
| Perceived Benefits for Patients | Access to physician and nurse on regular basis Continuity of care Peer interaction Improved health outcomes Increased satisfaction with care |
Self-help Increased coping skills Access to physician/nurse Continuity of care Peer interaction Improved care Increased satisfaction with care |
Drop-in convenience Improved access Psychosocial needs met by behavioral health specialist Improved care Increased satisfaction with care |
| Perceived Benefits for Physicians | Vehicle to deliver effective, efficient care to older adults Increased satisfaction in delivering care |
Vehicle to deliver effective care Increased satisfaction in delivering care Vehicle to teach, reinforce, and promote healthy behaviors |
Assists physician to manage large practice Increased satisfaction in delivering care Assistance from behavioral health professional in dealing with psychosocial needs |
| Outcomes Measure | Improved quality of life, self-efficacy and activities of daily living Provider satisfaction |
Patient satisfaction Patient outcomes |
Cost reduction Improved clinical access |
These three types of shared medical appointments have some common features. These group visits are:
- Voluntary.
- Interactive.
- Care delivery systems - NOT classes.
- Intended to enlist and validate patients as their own caregivers.
- Efficient and effective.
Group Visits
