1061 Improving Access to Pediatric Sleep Service by Utilizing Unique Electronic Medical Record Based Informatic Tools

Abstract Introduction Fragmented scheduling processes, workforce shortage and limited resources affected patient care and hindered access to pediatric sleep services. Between 40-60% pediatric sleep consult orders remained unscheduled at the Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorder Center every month in 2019 and 2020. We aimed to reduce unscheduled pediatric sleep consult orders and improve access by utilizing unique automated electronic medical record (EMR) based informatics tools. Methods Several key steps were implemented via a systematic A3 project charter utilizing continuous improvement methods. Unique informatics tools including ticket schedule via my chart patient portal, automated calling and messaging system for scheduling prompts, simplified scheduling templates and efficient electronic monitoring system was developed and implemented via Epic Hyperspace EMR system between 2020-2022. Results Key outcomes accomplished: 1. Visual scheduling report system/dashboard 2. Electronic workflow for schedulers 3. Automated patient driven ticket scheduling via patient record portal and embedded EMR questionnaire. 4. By December, 2022, 88% of consult orders were scheduled at a scheduling rate of 80% every month 5. By October 2023, 93% of order were scheduled per month 6. Up to 52% of all patients scheduled visits via automated scheduling system 7. Several patients/families subjectively reported positive experience and high satisfaction utilizing automated system or traditional scheduling 8. Significant amount of time spent on scheduling for patient and health care team was saved. Conclusion Despite several challenges during COVID pandemic including loss of personnel, limited resources, frustrating processes, and constant changes in the course this continuous improvement project achieved very high level of scheduling in unique and innovative manner and helped significantly improve access to much needed pediatric sleep care. Such tools can be replicated within and at other health care organizations with exponential impact on access to pediatric sleep services. Support (if any) None