Development of a resource manual for a student-run clinic for the medically indigent

Objectives:

To develop a resource manual for use by the multidisciplinary healthcare team of students providing services to the medically indigent in a free, student-run evening clinic.

Methods:

Literature was accessed through Ovid, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PubMed (1965-September 2011) using the search terms indigent care, resource manual, safety net, and evidence-based. Reference citations from publications identified were also reviewed. All articles were limited to those available in English. Those identified from the data sources were evaluated.

Results:

Guideline or consensus-based modules for seven areas (patient assistance programs, formularies, diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular/lipids/hypertension, psychiatry, and neurology) were developed. The clinical coordinator introduced the manual during the clinic orientation meeting. Both the medical director and clinical coordinator reported positive feedback and enthusiastic reception of the manual. Formal evaluation is planned.

Conclusion:

Information on previous development of orientation manuals for student-run safety net clinics was not found. This is the first time such a manual has been developed for our clinic system. It contains the basic guidelines and protocols for treating the disease states most frequently encountered. Formal evaluation will help determine if this resource contributed to a more efficient team dynamic and established the pharmacist as a drug information resource for medication-related questions and concerns. Additional data on the length of the patient encounters is ongoing as is user feedback to improve the manual.