RT Journal
A1 Rose KD, Ross JS, Horwitz LI
T1 Advanced access scheduling outcomes: A systematic review
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2011
FD July 11
VO 171
IS 13
SP 1150
OP 1159
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.168
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.168
AB Background 
                  Advanced (“open”) access scheduling, which promotes patient-driven scheduling in lieu of prearranged appointments, has been proposed as a more patient-centered appointment method and has been widely adopted throughout the United Kingdom, within the US Veterans Health Administration, and among US private practices.Objective 
                  To describe patient and physician and/or practice outcomes resulting from implementation of advanced access scheduling in the primary care setting.Data Sources 
                  Comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) through August, 2010, supplemented by reference lists and gray literature.Study Selection 
                  Studies were assessed in duplicate, and reviewers were blinded to author, journal, and date of publication. Controlled and uncontrolled English-language studies of advanced access implementation in primary care were eligible if they specified methods and reported outcomes data.Data Extraction 
                  Two reviewers collaboratively assessed risk for bias by using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group Risk of Bias criteria. Data were independently extracted in duplicate.Data Synthesis 
                  Twenty-eight articles describing 24 studies met eligibility criteria. All studies had at least 1 source of potential bias. All 8 studies evaluating time to third-next-available appointment showed reductions (range of decrease, 1.1-32 days), but only 2 achieved a third-next-available appointment in less than 48 hours (25%). No-show rates improved only in practices with baseline no-show rates higher than 15%. Effects on patient satisfaction were variable. Limited data addressed clinical outcomes and loss to follow-up.Conclusions 
                  Studies of advanced access support benefits to wait time and no-show rate. However, effects on patient satisfaction were mixed, and data about clinical outcomes and loss to follow-up were lacking.