Presenting Authors: Nimerta Sandhu and Luke Pasick, Health Outreach Project, Drexel University College of Medicine

ABSTRACT

Background: Student-run free medical clinics provide health services to underserved populations in urban areas, however, little is known about the impact and health outcomes of those served. A dozen free clinics and health advocacy initiatives, operating under the Health Outreach Project of the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, address needs of underserved populations such as veterans, people with housing insecurity, youth at risk, refugees, and injection drug users. One study identified national data on student-run clinics offering services to patients, but current literature lacks data on the extent to which clinics impact their communities. Effective data collection is essential to assess positive impact on population health outcomes in these communities.

Objectives: Development of novel methods of data collection and service tracking to assist in impact assessment of student-run free clinics in urban areas.

Methods: We developed a standardized form for use across all clinics and health advocacy projects to track and quantify health services. The form tracks all rendered services for each patient, including screenings, medications and items dispensed, counseling, education, and other types of specialized services. Medical student volunteers, patient advocates, residents and attending physicians collaborate to complete a single form, emphasizing a patient-centered approach.

Results: Data collected via a standardized form itemizes services provided at our clinics in a clear, visually digestible format that is easily downloaded for statistical analysis.

Implications: Quantification and effective tracking of health services will assist further evaluation of health outcomes in patients seen at urban student-run free clinics.

Authors: Nimerta Sandhu and Luke Pasick