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Facilitation of Preventive Health Services
Facilitation of Preventive Health Services
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Facilitation
of Preventive Health
Services
- Qualis
Health developed
software to track
delivery of preventive
health services for
older adults and
to remind physicians
and patients when
services are due.
The software is provided
to primary care providers
free of charge by
Qualis Health, which
also offers implementation
assistance and ongoing
technical support.
Idaho sites using
the software have
shown substantial
improvements in care
for diabetes patients,
as well as increased
use of other preventive
services, such as
immunizations. To
date, 22 clinics
using the software
have increased 81%
of their quality
measures in a range
from 2%-30%. The
software was developed
in consultation with
the Idaho Department
of Health and Welfare,
which has financed
a Web site to promote
the computer-based
tracking and reminder
system.
- The
Michigan Peer Review
Organization
developed a successful
incentive program
that uses public
recognition to encourage
physicians’ offices
to participate in
quality improvement
projects. The program
launched the "Governor's
Award of Excellence
for Improving Preventive
Care in the Ambulatory
Care Setting",
endorsed by Michigan’s
governor. The award
recognizes primary
care physicians’
offices that are
actively participating
in activities to
improve the quality
of care for adults
in the areas of breast
cancer screening,
diabetes, and influenza
and pneumococcal
immunizations. Physicians’
offices submit an
application for nomination
and quarterly documentation
to meet award criteria.
Sixty-six offices
received the award
in 2001. More than
100 physicians' offices
will receive the
2002 award.
- Louisiana
Health Care Review
created a simple
and effective process
for physician offices
and their staff to
assess and track
delivery of preventive
services. Called
OPRA—OutPatient Rapid
Assessment process—this
intervention uses
the latest technology
to machine read patient-completed
health assessments
and then track those
patients through
their doctor visits.
OPRA is working to
increase delivery
of six Medicare priority
services, including
mammography, immunizations,
eye exams and the
like. For example,
OPRA has led to increases
in pneumonia vaccines
by up to 40% over
the previous year’s
rate. Seven other
QIOs across the nation
have now adopted
OPRA for their own
use and several other
QIOs are evaluating
it for their state.
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