With a holistic approach to treating patients with prosthetic and orthotic needs, clinicians with EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics in Mansfield, Ohio, use mobile clinics to treat patients at their homes or in a skilled nursing facility.
Since much of the work the EastPoint’s clinicians do is on their own, it takes a unique skill set to do the work efficiently.
“We seek clinical staff that are highly motivated individuals who are dedicated to patient-driven outcomes and do not mind driving or working by themselves,” says Jackie Bailey, CP, branch manager of EastPoint P&O, which also has locations in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. EastPoint has provided mobility care for most of Ohio, primarily treating adult and geriatric individuals for about 11 years.
Bailey says a typical day for her and the other two mobile clinicians begins in the office, gathering any devices and gear they will need. “Then we hit the road in our mobile units and see patients all day,” she says. “We try to waste no time in starting our day in order to maximize time spent with patients.”
EastPoint’s three mobility clinics are specially equipped for clinicians to be able to treat patients at home or in a care facility, Bailey says. “Each clinician has their ideal set up of the tools and components they prefer to use, but the majority of our mobile units are equipped with lots of storage, various grinders, and electronic tools that allow us to meet any need while we’re on the road,” she says.
Bailey and the other clinicians travel about 4,000 to 6,000 miles each month. “We do a lot of driving,” she says.
Bailey says these types of in-home healthcare visits are becoming more popular. “Patients are finding it more and more difficult to get out to various appointments due to transportation issues and insurances not paying for such transportation,” she says. “So, seeing them in their home helps reduce the burden of transportation.”
On rare occasions, clinicians can’t resolve the issue during a visit. “If we are unable to help, it is primarily because their custom device has failed and cannot be repaired, so we would begin the process of providing a new device,” Bailey says.
Most of Bailey’s experience in O&P specifically relates to mobile work. There is an allure for this type of job, she says.
“I prefer to work directly with the rehab team or nursing staff working closely with these patients to bring a cohesive rehabilitation experience to the patient,” she says. “I believe patients benefit much more from a team approach to their care.
“Like the mobility clinics, it is also unique and seems as though it would also take someone unique with a strong work ethic and skill set to do the work,” Bailey says. “I enjoy being able to work in an environment where I have control over my schedule. I get the freedom to be outside of the four walls of an office, and I have an incredible opportunity to serve a population that would otherwise fall through the cracks. These are the best people to work with.”
