Improving Efficiency and Equity in Early Autism Evaluations: The (S)TAAR Model.

Researchers developed a new team-based approach called (S)TAAR to make autism evaluations faster and fairer for young children under 4. They reviewed records from 173 children and found this approach helped more children get evaluated quicker, reduced waiting times, and worked equally well for families from different backgrounds, races, and insurance types. The team approach also made healthcare providers more satisfied with their work.

This study describes the (S)TAAR model, a transdisciplinary approach designed to improve efficiency and equity in autism evaluations for children under 4 years old. The model implemented team-based processes including pre-visit triage, synchronous evaluations, case conferencing, and care coordination with community providers. A retrospective review of 173 children over one year showed the model increased patient throughput, reduced waitlists and time to diagnosis, and improved provider satisfaction. Importantly, improvements in access to care were equitable across racial, ethnic, language, and insurance groups, addressing disparities in autism evaluation services.

The (S)TAAR model offers a promising framework for improving autism evaluation efficiency while maintaining equity. The transdisciplinary approach with systematic care coordination may be particularly valuable for addressing service gaps in early childhood autism diagnosis.

Single-site retrospective study limits generalizability. No comparison group or control condition. Specific outcome measures and effect sizes not reported. Study design details unclear from abstract.

This paper describes the (Sin Exclusión) Transdisciplinary Autism Assessment and Resources ([S]TAAR) model and presents early metrics tracking efficiency and equity in access to high-quality comprehensive autism evaluations for young children. Retrospective chart reviews over one year (08/2018-08/2019) with n = 173 children were reviewed. Through care coordination with community providers, the model was developed to meet local needs by increasing throughput of children (< 4 years old) evaluated by a transdisciplinary team. Team-based processes included pre-visit triage, synchronous evaluation procedures, case conferencing, huddles, and care coordination.

The model led to increased patient throughput, reductions in waitlist and time to diagnosis, and improved provider satisfaction. Improvements in access to care were equitable across patient race, ethnicity, language, and insurance type.