Strategies to Reduce Missed Care Opportunities in the Pediatric Outpatient Setting

Authors

• Hunter R. Gibbs, Virginia University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Pediatric urology

Advisor

Lawrence Herman DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

This manuscript evaluates evidence-based strategies to mitigate missed care opportunities (MCOs) within outpatient pediatric settings, addressing a critical gap in care delivery for this vulnerable population. MCOs represent a growing financial burden to both patients and healthcare systems alike that has yet to be successfully addressed. A systematic review of contemporary literature was conducted via PubMed to identify evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing MCOs and mitigating barriers to care in the outpatient pediatric setting. Six key studies were identified that successfully addressed interventional methodologies across four types of medical encounters, including (1) surgical subspecialty clinic visits, (2) outpatient testing and imaging appointments, (3) telemedicine visits, and (4) children with special healthcare needs (CSHN). As pediatric patients represent a vulnerable patient population due to relying on caregivers in order to attend medical appointments, adopting novel technologies and communication strategies has proven successful in reducing MCO rates in the outpatient pediatric population. Findings appear to indicate that leveraging digital engagement, including automated reminders, patient portal modalities, and hybrid telemedicine models, significantly reduces MCO rates. However, a prevalent theme throughout the research is ensuring adequate staffing as technological solutions are most effective when paired with human oversight to ensure data integrity and facilitate multidisciplinary coordination, particularly for CSHN. The findings of this manuscript reveal that, by integrating emerging technologies with sustainable staffing models, healthcare systems can transition from passive scheduling to proactive engagement, thereby safeguarding the developmental trajectories of pediatric patients. Regardless of appointment type, the most significant predictor of success is the individualization of care, specifically tailoring interventions to the unique social, psychological, and financial barriers faced by patients and their caregivers. This is possible via leveraging technological avenues (both existing and novel) and pursuing creative approaches to patient access to care. Although significantly beneficial across multiple studies, expanding staffing remains a significant administrative challenge, necessitating a shift toward more sustainable, technology-driven but human-coordinated communication models.

Recommended Citation

Gibbs HR. Strategies to Reduce Missed Care Opportunities in the Pediatric Outpatient Setting. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).