Open-Ended Responses on Patient Access to Care from Safety-Net Clinicians, October 2020–November 2021
| Key Finding | Supporting Quotes |
|---|---|
| Increased Patient Volumes | - We need more time with patients, they are coming with a huge backlog of problems, no visit is simple. Getting through the phones is a nightmare. I am concerned about malpractice suits due to low access. (November 2021) |
| - Moving to video from phone has been slow in our practice of many low income non English speaking patients. Inbox volume has surged, (as more pts are using portals). And PCP's are increasingly d[r]owning in keeping up, and often providing visit level care through the inbox. (November 2021) | |
| Decreased Barriers to Care | - The pandemic has given our organization the opportunity to be a champion in providing quality care through innovative approaches such as video and finding creative ways accommodating our at risk population so they continue with [their] care. (March 2021) |
| - Telehealth has opened care to those that don’t have transportation to come to my practice. (March 2021) | |
| - The addition of telephone-visits is efficient, documents time spent communicating outside of office visits, and somehow strengthens the bond between patient and provider. (March 2021) | |
| Differences in Access due to Patient Factors | - Amazing success of our senior citizens to do virtual video visits. Revolutionized care for mentally ill by offering virtual/telehealth care from the privacy of their homes/cars. (March 2021) |
| - Significant differences in access to wifi (none in many homeless shelters) and either a data plan or sufficient minutes for equity is application of telemedicine strategies. (March 2021) | |
| - Access to technology should be considered a social determinant factor! (March 2021) | |
| - Technology gaps amongst our patient population affects access to primary care and vaccinations. We are a rural practice and many patients don't have internet. Some don't have cell phones. (March 2021) |