Loading...

816 posters, 24 topics, 3,314 authors, 1,012 institutions

ePostersLive by SciGen Technologies S.A. All rights reserved.

P794

IMPROVING ACCESS FOR UNINSURED PATIENTS WITH BILIARY DISEASE - A QUALITY INITIATIVE AT A SAFETY-NET HOSPITAL

Part of Topic

Quality Improvement / Health System Outcomes

Improving Access for Uninsured Patients with Biliary Disease – A Quality Improvement Initiative at a Safety-Net Hospital

Anne R Jeckovich, MD; Elene Clemens, MD, PhD; Coleman Miller, MD; Connor Purvis, MD; Tien Do, DO; Lindsey O'Leary, DO; Simran Singh, MD; Tamara Saunders, MD;                                          McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

 

Background

Biliary pathology is one of the most common digestive disorders. Increasing prevalence, especially among Hispanics1

1.2M ED visits and > 600,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) annually in the US (2019). Frequent ED consult to general surgery

At LBJ Hospital: 1,132 LC performed; busiest ED in Houston (52.3% Hispanic, 44.3% uninsured)

Delays to OR disproportionately affect uninsured patients à higher risk for recurrent ED visits, admissions, and missed workdays. 1/3 adults in Harris County are uninsured

 

Problem Statement: Biliary disease is common – but lack of timely care worsens outcomes for vulnerable patients

 

Primary Aim: Reduce time from ED visit to elective cholecystectomy in our Outpatient Center

Methods

-Prospective pre-post quality improvement (QI) study
-Multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement
-Study Period: July 2024 – April 2025
-Pre and Post Intervention workflow
 

Stakeholders: LBJ Emergency Department (ED), LBJ Business Office, general surgery residents, Outpatient Surgery Coordinator

Results

-The mean time to ED visit to OC surgery decreased from 85 days to 30 days (p = 0.19)

 

Conclusion

-Implementation of an ED-drive QI initiative shortened time to cholecystectomy for uninsured patients by nearly two months
-Meaningful clinical impact

Future Work

-Continuation of fast track
-Scalability to other safety-net systems

 

References:

1.Unalp-Arida A, Ruhl CE. Burden of gallstone disease in the United States population: prepandemic rates and trends. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2024 Apr 27;16(4):1130–1148. doi:10.4240/wjgs.v16.i4.1130. PMID: 38690054.
sages2026 banner
Copyright © 2015-2026, ePostersLive® SciGen is a registered trademark of SciGen Technologies S.A. Patent pending.

This website and third-party tools we use rely on cookies for the best user experience. By selecting "I agree", you agree to cookie usage as described in our Privacy Policy.