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Date
2024
Abstract
This study evaluated strategies to optimize rhinosinusitis management in a resource-limited federally qualified health center in Burlington, Vermont. Key challenges identified included the discontinuation of Medicaid coverage for over-the-counter (OTC) medications critical to rhinosinusitis treatment and limited access to otolaryngology specialists, necessitating enhanced primary care provider (PCP) competency in outpatient management and patient navigation of socioeconomic barriers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a clinical pharmacist and a community member to assess care barriers and patient perspectives. Interventions comprised (1) an evidence-based clinical decision-support flowchart for PCPs to guide acute and chronic rhinosinusitis management, and (2) a comparative cost analysis tool for OTC therapies. While Costco offered the lowest medication prices, its membership requirement posed an accessibility barrier for low-income patients. The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between primary care and community pharmacies to mitigate cost-related disparities. Future efforts should prioritize partnerships with local pharmacies to subsidize OTC access and advocate for policy reforms to reinstate Medicaid coverage for essential therapies.
Clinical Site
Community Health Centers of Burlington
Keywords
rhinosinusitis, sinusitis, otolaryngology, resource-limited settings, health equity, interprofessional collaboration, rural healthcare access
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Disciplines
Health Economics | Medical Education | Otolaryngology | Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases | Primary Care
Recommended Citation
Kruglik, Christopher Peter and Dorwart, Michelle, "Optimization of Rhinosinusitis Care in a Resource-Limited Setting" (2024). Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects. 1094.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1094
Included in
Health Economics Commons, Medical Education Commons, Otolaryngology Commons, Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases Commons, Primary Care Commons
