Annals Journal Club: Exemplars in Reducing No-Shows and Maximizing Volume

HOW IT WORKS

In each issue, the Annals selects an article or articles and provides discussion tips and questions. We encourage you to take a RADICAL approach to these materials, and to post a summary of your conversation in our online discussion. (Open the article online and click on “TRACK Comments: Submit a response.”) You can find discussion questions and more information online at: http://www.AnnFamMed.org/AJC/.

CURRENT SELECTION

DISCUSSION TIPS

Consider the articles in the context of your own practice and patient population. Also consider the pros and cons of the novel method of identifying and studying exemplars.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• What questions are addressed by the article? Why do they matter?

• What purpose is served by the 2-stage sampling design of the study? Are there better alternatives for answering the research questions?

• What are the main findings?

• To what degree can the findings be accounted for by:

  1. How participants were selected?

  2. How critical variables were measured?

  3. Confounding (false attribution of causality because 2 variables discovered to be associated actually are associated with a 3rd factor)?

  4. How participant responses were interpreted?

  5. Chance?

• How transportable are the findings to your practice setting? How might they be adapted?

• What are the challenges in disseminating findings from a study of exemplars?

• How might the information be used to change practice or policy?

• How do these findings relate to what already is known about methods to reduce no-show rates and enhance patient volume?

• What questions do you have for further research or application?