Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2020

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Services Research & Administration

First Committee Member

Dr. Hongmei Wang

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jungyoon Kim

Third Committee Member

Dr. Tzeyu Michaud

Abstract

A significant fraction of health care resources in the United States of America is utilized by a comparatively small number of people. An examination of the attributes and patterns and associated evidence-based interventions for such high-utilizing patients might aid clinicians to improve interventions to address the distinctive needs of these patients, decrease their risks for numerous hospitalizations, and contribute to reducing the costs. This study aims at exploring the existing literature on the characteristics of super-utilizers and interventions to reduce avoidable use of health care among this population. The method used for this research is a comprehensive literature review. Search from various academic databases, such as Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, and CINAHL has been included. Grey literature was also included. This research is restricted to studies and evidence specific to the United States. Literature review results show that super-utilizers are more likely to be female, with lower income, low education status, and suffer from multiple chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, etc. and/or mental health illnesses. Super-Utilization definitions vary by studies. Several studies that included pre‐post evaluations showed significant declines in either health care use or cost or both. It is important to prioritize public policy and investment into the super-utilizer communities to ensure awareness, accessibility to socio-economic and political resources, to ensure their overall well-being and that we target evidence-based interventions aimed at such communities.

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