If you build it who will come? Case mix data of a new rural paediatric outpatient clinic

Abstract

IntroductionThere is limited current evidence describing the case mix data of rural paediatric outpatient clinics. Collection and analysis of this data is essential for health service planning, facilitating the identification of areas of need within specific communities to support contextualised delivery of paediatric health care.ObjectiveTo describe the case mix of patients seen during the initial 12 months of a rural paediatric service, providing evidence to inform rural health service planning.DesignA retrospective cohort study.ResultsThere were 149 initial consultations during the study period. Behavioural/developmental problems were found in 71.8% of patients and physical problems were present in 64.4% of patients. This resulted in 38.9% of patients having a combination of problem types. 42.9% of patients were referred to or already accessing allied health services, while 20% were accessing specialised paediatric support services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and child protection services. Investigations were ordered for 45% of patients, with medications prescribed in 43% of cases. Only 5.4% of patients were discharged after their initial appointment. There were significant differences in problems identified on the referral compared to at the initial appointment demonstrating the value of this service to a rural community.ConclusionThe case mix data illustrates a rural paediatric cohort with a complex and chronic burden of disease especially in terms of behavioural and developmental problems. These findings add to the literature on rural paediatric patient care and demonstrate the value of an embedded paediatric service in a medium sized rural town.

Special issue: Health and well‐being services for children and young people (ages 0–24) in rural and remote communities

“…In this context, an embedded paediatric service within a rural town emerges as a vital player in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the community. 10 Consequently, these findings have congruence with those of Somerville et al ( 2023) who argue that adopting an integrated child health model within a general practice setting holds some promise. Specifically, enabling early access to paediatric-related screening and care can be transformative, for both children and families residing in rural areas through enhanced collaboration and timely intervention.…”

“…Their paper highlights that many young patients require referrals to allied health services, specialised paediatric support, diagnostic investigations and medications. In this context, an embedded paediatric service within a rural town emerges as a vital player in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the community 10 . Consequently, these findings have congruence with those of Somerville et al.…”