Deformational plagiocephaly multi-group outpatient clinics reduce referral to visit times and visit length

Objective: Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is a well-recognized condition, affecting up to 20% of all babies. Its prevalence lead centers worldwide to create multi-group clinics and incorporate technology to decrease repetitive counselling, save clinic hours and shorten waiting times. This paper describes the modalities incorporated in our craniofacial clinic since 2016 and their effect on our patient population.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively between November 2016 and September 2022 and prospectively between April and May of 2024. This period was divided into eight bimesters constituting several different clinic modalities. Data included the number of patients, no-shows, referral to visit times (RVT), visit length (VL), satisfaction rates, and demographics of all patients visiting our clinic and those referred specifically for DP.

Results: A total of 1794 patients, reviewed retrospectively, were included, 202 were referred for DP. Mean RVT was 38.5 days for all patients. For DP patients, mean RVTs were (according to bimesters): 107 days (older triage system), 59 days (newer system, new monthly craniofacial clinic, additional clinic slots), 58 days (cranial orthosis program, first multi-group clinic), 52 days (online lecture), 35 days (end of Covid lockdown), 43 days (pre-recorded presentations), and 47 days (multi-group encounters). RVT decreased to 17 days in the prospective bimester, during which another 117 DP patients were seen. Mean VL averaged 22 min for the first six bimesters and then decreased to 11 and 7 min during the seventh and eighth bimesters respectively.

Conclusion: Multi-group encounters for DP are highly effective in reducing RVTs and VL.