A pilot study assessing clinic value in pediatric pharyngeal dysphagia: The OPPS/cost method

Objectives/hypothesis: Given the costs of healthcare, capitation, and desires for quality improvement (QI), there is a need to better assess healthcare value. Time-driven activity-based costing and the Quadruple Aim have evaluated value by assessing health outcomes and provider experiences relative to costs. The proposed OPPS/Cost method expands on this to examine value for aerodigestive clinic treatment of pediatric persistent pharyngeal dysphagia: O + P₁ + P₂ + S/Cost (O = objective health [video-fluoroscopic swallow study results], P₁ = patient/family experience [Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems], P₂ = provider experience [Copenhagen Burnout Inventory {CBI}], S = subjective health [Feeding/Swallowing-Impact Survey], C = cost [time-driven activity-based costing]).

Study design: Use of QI time data, surveys, and retrospective chart review for 56 patient encounters.

Methods: Staff interviews were used to develop process maps, and monetary values were assigned to activities. OPPS/Cost outcomes were normalized amongst variables, and composite values were calculated. Comparisons were made using a Student t test for pre- and postclinic relocation over a 14-month period.

Results: Time reductions were check-in (13 minutes/patient), rooming (21 minutes/patient), and providers (4 minutes/patient). Patient in-room wait time increased (4 minutes/patient). The CBI identified burnout as an area for improvement. OPPS/Cost composite values increased by 14%, with a 1.7% cost reduction, improvement in objective and subjective health outcomes of 47.4% (P < .05) and 7.3%, respectively, and stable patient/family experience.

Conclusions: OPPS/Cost is feasible in an interdisciplinary clinic and helped evaluate value during a clinic relocation. The QI opportunities identified are indicative of the potential of OPPS/Cost.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 129:1527-1532, 2019.