Mobile reproductive health clinics
Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help residents access health services. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
Offering reproductive health services in a mobile setting: Mobile reproductive health clinics are medically equipped vans, buses, or trailers that move between different locations with medical staff offering reproductive health care. There is some evidence that these clinics improve prenatal care outcomes.
Variety of reproductive health services provided: Mobile health clinics can offer pregnancy tests and options counseling, prenatal and postpartum care, gynecological exams, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, health education, contraceptive counseling and supplies, mammograms, and referrals to other clinical or social services. Depending on the size of the van, bus, or trailer, these clinics may include private exam rooms, waiting areas, education areas, and on-site laboratories.
Providing health care for vulnerable populations: Mobile clinics can provide care in areas where it may be impractical to establish a permanent clinic, both in rural and urban contexts. They also make it possible to target care to specific vulnerable populations– including low-income or uninsured individuals, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness or with substance abuse issues– even if members of the population are geographically dispersed.
Operating independently or in affiliation with a larger organization: Clinics can be independently run (typically as a nonprofit organization) or affiliated with a larger organization. These affiliated organizations are most commonly universities or health care systems, but clinics can also be affiliated with faith-based programs, insurers, or community health centers. Depending on the services offered, mobile clinics may be staffed by administrative personnel, community health workers, nurses, physicians, or other health professionals.
Funded through partnerships, government, insurance, or philanthropy: Mobile reproductive health clinics may be funded partially or in whole by direct client payments and health insurance reimbursements. To subsidize care, however, many clinics leverage grants from philanthropic organizations or local, state, and federal governments. When part of a broader healthcare system, a clinic may be subsidized by the system’s other operations.
- Cost per Participant
-
Not available
Multiple studies with rigorous designs provide some evidence for mobile reproductive health clinics as a strategy to improve prenatal care.
- A 2018 research synthesis found that mobile reproductive health clinics are likely to improve prenatal care. However, results were somewhat inconsistent across different study locations and additional research is needed to measure the effects for different populations.
Select suitable locations for mobile clinic parking: A key consideration when operating a mobile health clinic is having safe, accessible locations to park the vehicle while in use. Local organizations such as colleges, shelters, or substance use providers can offer a place to park the clinic for a day as well as easier access for the target patient population. Local police and fire departments may also be willing to offer space for clinics, although it is important to take differing levels of community trust in law enforcement into consideration.
Ensure appropriate staffing for the clinic’s purpose: Mobile clinics rely on a combination of physicians, nurses, community health workers, and other health professionals. The ideal roles for a given clinic will depend on a clinic’s services offered, anticipated demand, and patient load at a given time. Clinics will also need a driver, potentially with a commercial driver’s license, depending on the size of the unit. Given space constraints, it is helpful to have staff who are cross-trained in other roles on the unit.
Consider physical details of the mobile clinic in planning: Since mobile clinics are custom-designed vehicles, it may be helpful to consult a list of recommended vendors before purchasing a unit. In addition, collecting input on the layout and exterior of the vehicle from staff members and community representatives can help ensure the feasibility of daily operations and appeal to a potential patient base. Vehicles may also be subject to additional permitting requirements if they surpass a certain size, so it is important to check local parking guidelines.
Account for additional costs and logistic needs: Mobile health clinics may need additional, unique components such as generators for electricity, wheelchair lifts and other accessibility measures, and refrigerators for medications. In addition, operating a mobile clinic entails ongoing maintenance and expenses such as cleaning and detailing for the vehicle, winterizing, and waste dumping fees.