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Mapping Care with the Community
For a growing number of patients, primary care no longer requires a trip across town—it comes to them.
Just before 2 PM on Wednesdays, at the corner of Hickory Street and Bitternut Lane, a familiar blue and orange box truck pulls up, plugs in, and opens its doors to the community as a primary care clinic.
With its formal opening a little over one year ago, nearly 200 patients now consider the roving UVA Mobile Care Unit to be their primary care provider.
“I have had 500 patient encounters in the past year or so,” says registered nurse Rachel Adams of her work in the Southwood community. “For a clinic that is open only four hours per week, that’s pretty impressive.”
The mobile care unit also makes regular visits to the Greenstone on 5th neighborhood in Charlottesville, Yancey School Community Center in Esmont, and Greene County Community Senior Center. Services recently expanded to Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, in front of the Ting Pavilion.
“You’ve heard of Fridays after Five,” says Rachel, “Well, this is Thursdays before four.” She urges community members to come see what services the clinic has to offer.
“It’s a tiny little box. You think, ‘how much can you do in a little box?” says Amy Boitnott, licensed nurse practitioner, assistant professor at UVA School of Nursing, and co-medical director of the mobile care unit. A lot, in fact.
Powered from start to finish by UVA Health RNs, patient access specialists, financial assistance team members, and interpreters, the mobile care unit team provides everything from general health checkups to acute care for minor illnesses and injuries to support for ongoing health problems.
The close professional quarters mean that care is highly personalized and well-coordinated.
“The nurse is normally separated from the provider,” says Amy. “But we are so in tandem because of our space. I think it gives the patient a faster and smoother experience.”
Patients visiting the truck do not spend time alone in a waiting room. From the moment they step inside, patients are receiving one-to-one time with their provider.
“When they get to the clinic, they aren’t waiting to be seen. It’s all about them. When they leave, they have a plan,” says Rachel. “I think that makes us really different. The care is quicker. And it’s full.”
Patients visiting the truck do not spend time alone in a waiting room. From the moment they step inside, patients are receiving one-to-one time with their provider.
In a typical visit, patients can get blood drawn, get their paperwork and prescriptions, and be out the door in the span of 30 minutes.
They also get to know their provider. Rachel does all the follow up and care coordination with her patients. She calls to give them test results and discuss treatment plans. Having been the one to see them in the clinic, there is continuity to the conversation.
“We have a relationship and things don’t fall through the cracks,” says Rachel.
Amy nods emphatically, adding, “I know we are giving excellent patient-centered care.”
Visits are increasing. Patients keep coming back. And now they bring their families and refer their neighbors.
Mich McLean, Associate Director of Community Engagement with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, attributes the clinic’s success to a strong partnership among Southwood residents, clinic staff, and the sponsoring organizations.
“This work began maybe two or three years ago, and there was a lot of back and forth,” Mich recalls. There were numerous studies, surveys, and data gathering. At the end of the day, Mich says it came down to a leap of faith.
“We had to do it. That was the only way to know if it was going to work,” says Mich. “Our families here at Southwood face different challenges and having access to healthcare is very important.” He explains that Southwood community members have been integral to the planning and design of their neighborhood and setting community development goals for the next ten years. Accessible healthcare is one of their top priorities.
We have a beautiful, vibrant neighborhood. As the [Southwood] community grows, we want to continue building health services.
Mich McLean, Associate Director of Community Engagement with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville
“We have a beautiful, vibrant neighborhood,” says Mich. “As the community grows, we want to continue building health services.”
In the coming year, clinic services will expand gynecological care in select communities, including Southwood.
“We see moms, grandmas, and aunts taking care of their families and they put themselves last. They say they don’t have time to check in on their own health,” says Mich. “This year will bring a big change.”
Mich points to an outstanding end-to-end patient experience and personal connections as drivers of success. “We host a lot of community meetings, and I only hear really good things,” he says. “There is lots of follow up and relationship building. It is not transactional.”
He also notes that when residents come to the community center for services, they connect and talk to each other. “It has brought neighbors together,” says Mich.
Amy points out that trust creates space for growth that is shaped by the community, rather than growth pursued for its own sake. Champions like Mich, who are deeply connected to the communities the mobile clinics serve, have been key to the clinic’s success.
“People stop by to say hi, even when they’re not sick,” says Amy. “It’s a fun adventure. It’s a type of nursing I’ve never done in my whole life. It’s probably the most beautiful nursing I’ve ever done.”
For more information, visit UVA Health’s mobile care website.
