Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility of collecting standardized, patient reported race and ethnicity (RE) data in hospitals, and to assess the impact on data quality and utility. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Part of a larger evaluation that included a comprehensive assessment. Sites documented RE data collection procedures before and after program implementation. Primary data collected through qualitative interviewing with key respondents in ten hospitals to assess implementation. Nine hospitals provided RE data on the same patients before and after implementation new data collection procedures were implemented to assess impact. FINDINGS: Implementation went smoothly in nine of ten hospitals and had substantial effects on the hospital staff awareness on the potential for disparities within their hospitals. New procedures had minimal impact on characterization of readmitted patients. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrated that it is feasible for staff in a diverse group of hospitals to implement systematic, internally standardized methods to collect self-reported RE data from patients. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Although this study found little impact patients' demographic characterizations, other benefits included greater awareness of and attention to disparities, uncovering small pockets of minorities, and dramatically increased RE data use in quality improvement efforts.

Abstract Background: Osteoporosis is a widespread but largely preventable disease. Improved adherence to screening and treatment recommendations is needed to reduce fracture and mortality rates. Additionally, clinicians face increasing demands to demonstrate proficient quality patient care aligning with evidence-based standards. Methods: A three-stage, clinician-focused performance improvement (PI) continuing medical education (CME) initiative was developed to enhance clinician awareness and execution of evidence-based standards of osteoporosis care. Clinician performance was evaluated through a retrospective chart analysis of patients at risk or with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Results: Seventy-five participants reported their patient practices on a total of 1875 patients before and 1875 patients after completing a PI initiative. Significant gains were made in the use of Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) (stage A, 26%, n=1769 vs. stage C, 51%, n=1762; p<0.001), assessment of fall risk (stage A, 46%, n=1276 vs. stage C, 89%, n=1190; p<0.001), calcium levels (stage A, 62%, n=1451 vs. stage C, 89%, n=1443; p<0.001), vitamin D levels (stage A, 79%, n=1438 vs. stage C, 93%, n=1439; p<0.001), and medication adherence (stage A, 88%, n=1136 vs. stage C, 96%, n=1106; p<0.001). Conclusions: Gains in patient screening, treatment, and adherence were associated with an initiative promoting self-evaluation and goal setting. Clinicians must assess their performance to improve patient care and maintain certification. PI CME is a valid, useful educational tool for accomplishing these standards.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease marked by a heterogeneous clinical presentation and disease course. Although improvements in the recognition and management of MS have been made in recent years, challenges remain due to the complex nature of the disease. Clinicians must remain current with their skills as knowledge surrounding MS care continues to advance. Here we report results of a performance improvement (PI) continuing medical education (CME) activity that was designed to promote evidence-based care of patients with MS. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in assessing disease-related complications, treating cognitive dysfunction, assessing adherence, and providing disease-related educational materials. These data support the role of PI CME in improving clinician practices that align with quality MS patient care.

PURPOSE Research on the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model and practice redesign has not focused on the unique challenges and strengths of very small primary care practices serving disadvantaged patient populations. We analyzed the practice characteristics, prior experiences, and dimensions of the PCMH model that exist in such practices participating in the Primary Care Information Project (PCIP) of the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. METHODS We obtained descriptive data, focusing on PCMH, for 94 primary care practices with 5 or fewer clinicians serving high volumes of Medicaid and minority patient populations in New York City. Data included information extracted from PCIP administrative data and survey data collected specifically for this study. RESULTS Survey results indicated substantial implementation of key aspects of the PCMH among small practices serving disadvantaged patient populations, despite considerable potential challenges to achieving PCMH implementation. Practices tended to use few formal mechanisms, such as formal care teams and designated care or case managers, but there was considerable evidence of use of informal team-based care and care coordination nonetheless. It appears that many of these practices achieved the spirit, if not the letter, of the law in terms of key dimensions of PCMH. CONCLUSIONS Small practices can achieve important aspects of the PCMH model of primary care, often with informal rather than formal mechanisms and strategies. The use of flexible, less formal strategies is important to keep in mind when considering implementation and assessment of PCMH-like initiatives in small practices.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the quality of care for residents of long term care (LTC) facilities who have diabetes by (1) improving glycemic control, (2) increasing comprehensive diabetes management, (3) reducing fragmented care, and (4) empowering patient-care teams to educate patients and families regarding this disease. DESIGN: Based on the Plan-Do-Study-Act principles of effective change, a baseline evaluation of contemporary care for residents with diabetes was conducted through focus-group interviews, a confidence survey, and chart review. Three live educational workshops provided guideline-recommended information addressing educational desires and needs of clinical staff, a tool for improving performance in key areas of need, and an opportunity for care teams to engage in dialogue about advances in diabetes with a national diabetes expert. Reassessment was performed via chart review twice at 3 and 5 months post education. Key lessons and tools for improvements were disseminated to other LTC communities through a CME-certified publication activity and follow-up teleconferences. SETTING: Two skilled-nursing LTC communities. PARTICIPANTS: Physicians, administrators, nurses, certified nursing assistants, and nutrition staff. INTERVENTION: Three live continuing education/continuing medical education-certified workshops attended by 83 health care professionals. MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-five comprehensive clinical indicators of diabetes care and overall health were assessed for all residents with a diabetes diagnosis at baseline (n = 35), 3 months (n = 40), and 5 months (n = 27) post education. RESULTS: The primary objective of improving glycemic control we reached through a statistically significant 18% reduction in the percentage of residents experiencing hypoglycemia from baseline to 3 months post education (31% at baseline, 13% at 3 months, P = .046). Low levels of hypoglycemia (11%) were maintained at 5 months post education. Positive changes in an additional 3 measures of patient health include improved daily blood glucose levels, reduced ranges of HbA1c, and improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Improvements in 4 measures of clinician performance were also observed, namely comprehensive foot evaluations, referrals to specialists for foot care and eye exams, and improved use of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Diabetes care, particularly in elder adults, is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Focused quality improvement activities within LTC communities offer care providers the information and tools required to make effective changes that have the ability to promote improved patient care. These efforts must be multidisciplinary and effectively engage all stakeholders.

Challenges exist in the diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Early clinical presentation can be subtle, accurate classification requires careful consideration of pathologic features and cytogenetics, and treatment options vary based on disease severity. A performance improvement (PI) continuing medical education initiative was developed to strengthen physician practices and improve the quality of MDS patient care. Physician participants demonstrated significant gains in the diagnosis and classification of MDS and in the documentation of erythropoietin levels. Improvements related to patient communication and disease education were also observed and support the overall efficacy and value of PI in MDS patient care.

Clinicians are aware of the importance of thromboprophylaxis, and that the application of measures to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence in hospitalized patients must be improved. To enhance clinician execution of appropriate steps to reduce the risk of inpatient VTE, a performance improvement (PI) continuing medical education (CME) initiative consisting of 3 independent tracks for hospitalized patients-patients who are medically ill, patients receiving oncology treatment, and patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery-was designed and implemented. After a baseline chart review of select evidenced-based performance measures for VTE risk stratification and prevention, participants identified >/= 1 area of personal improvement. Participants then engaged in a period of self-improvement and reassessed their performance with a second chart review. After participating in the PI CME activity, clinician participants in the medically ill track increased their documentation of VTE risk assessments upon patient admission from baseline (56% vs 93%, n = 250; P < 0.001) and their prescription of low-molecular-weight heparin, low-dose unfractionated heparin, or fondaparinux (72% vs 88%, n = 250; P < 0.001). Orthopedic-track participants were significantly more likely to prescribe 15 to 35 days of VTE prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty or hip fracture surgery upon patient discharge compared with baseline (51%, n = 123 vs 61%, n = 107; P < 0.001). Oncology-track participants demonstrated a nonsignificant trend for assessing and documenting bleeding risk after participation in the PI CME activity (56% vs 68%, n = 80; P = 0.143). Improvements in evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of inpatient VTE were associated with PI CME participation. Although areas for improvement remain, increased participant identification and use of prophylactic measures can reduce the risk of VTE in hospitalized patients.

PURPOSE: In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer after breast and prostate cancer. Numerous improvement programs have been implemented to increase CRC screening rates, but few have focused on improving the care and management of patients with a diagnosis of this malignancy. As national medical organizations focus on quality of care, efforts are necessary to provide clinicians the opportunity for self-assessment and methods for practice improvement. With this goal in mind, a national continuing medical education-certified performance improvement initiative was conceived. METHODS: THE INITIATIVE CONSISTED OF THREE STAGES: First, participants self-assessed their performance of predetermined topic measures through a review of patient charts. The topic areas included patient safety and supportive care, evidence-based surveillance, and evidenced-based treatment and were derived from current guidelines and other successful quality-improvement initiatives. Second, an actionable plan for practice improvement was developed in at least one of the three topic areas. Third, after a period of self-improvement, participants reassessed their performance of the same topic measures to determine tangible changes in patient care. RESULTS: A total of 540 patient charts were reviewed by 27 clinicians. Notable results showed large gains in areas of supportive care, such as quantitative pain assessments and emotional well-being evaluations, which traditionally have been a minor focus of other quality-improvement initiatives. Participants also showed tangible improvements in the performance of leading measures of quality care. CONCLUSION: These findings support the need for continued efforts toward performance improvement in both established and emerging areas of CRC patient care.

BACKGROUND: Government policymakers and private medical insurance payors are beginning to implement performance-based physician reimbursement programs for several prevalent disease states, including diabetes. Correspondingly, the AMA has a 3-stage performance improvement continuing medical education model (PI-CME). Med-IQ, an accredited provider of CME, partnered with the Endocrine Society to develop an AMA-style PI-CME program for care of type 2 diabetes in 2008. To date, 292 clinicians have completed the program; significant improvements in performance have been published (1). Changes in patient outcomes, however, have not been demonstrated. Here we report a study evaluating the impact on patient health of completion of PI-CME, the impact of partial completion, and the difference when clinicians participate in less intensive CME endeavors.METHODS: Linked chart-review data was used to evaluate clinical indicators of patient health (A1C, lipids, BP) before and after clinician participation in PI-CME and traditional CME activities. Mean values were compared using t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to assess the effect of the type of education.RESULTS: Results showed significant changes in measures of health in 323 patients from 44 clinicians who completed the entire PI process. Significant improvements in mean A1C (8.42 to 7.46%, P < 0.001), LDL (111 to 94 mg/dL, P < 0.001), HDL (45 to 47 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and percent of patients achieving BP goals (20 to 40%, P < 0.001) were seen. Improvements in each value were also seen in 227 patients from 27 clinicians who participated in less intensive CME. Hemoglobin A1C values decreased (8.1 to 7.7%), LDL decreased (102 to 91 mg/dL), HDL increased (44 to 46 mg/dL) and the % patients with BP < 130/80 increased (27 to 34 %). There was a significant effect by clinician participant group for A1C (P = 0.01) and LDL (P = 0.04), indicating that health improvements were greater in those cared for by PI completers. Improvements in each of the measures were seen in 68 patients cared for by 9 clinicians who participated in most, but not all, of the PI program; magnitude of improvements were not statistically significantly different from the completer group (A1C (P = 0.55), LDL-C (P = 0.22), or HDL (P = 0.08)).CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this is the first study to show improved patient outcomes which can be attributed to clinician participation in a performance improvement education program in type 2 diabetes