Quality Matters is a Health System Improvement and Efficiency program publication. For more information, contact Vice President Anne-Marie Audet, M.D., M.P.H., at ama@cmwf.org, or Martha Hostetter, managing editor, at mh@cmwf.org.
A look at the development and use of patient-reported outcome measures, and an interview with Eugene Nelson, D.Sc., M.P.H., director of the Population Health Measurement Program at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice.
A look at the potential for health care "apps" to improve health care quality, and an interview with the creator of the Spiroscout app, which can improve asthma management.
Can "hospital at home" programs improve the quality and safety of care, while reducing costs? Plus: a case study of one such program in New Mexico.
In this issue of Quality Matters, a look at the progress and obstacles involved in getting physicians to adopt the electronic health system. Plus, a case study on one of the first physicians in the country to be certified as a meaningful user of health information technology.
Strategies to strengthen the primary care workforce to prepare to care for millions of Americans who will gain health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Plus, a case study of one safety net clinic's use of team care to expand access, increase productivity, and improve quality.
Employers' efforts to go beyond measurement and disease management to improve the value of their health care dollars; a case study of an Ohio collaborative of payers and providers working to reduce variation in the cost and quality of care; and more.
Strategies to engage patients in their care, and a look at one health plan's efforts to "coach" its members to achieve their own health goals.
A look at quality improvement training for medical students and residents, and a case study of the Housestaff Quality Council at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Can the use of multidisciplinary teams help meet demand and improve the quality of primary care? Plus: a case study of Aetna's use of "embedded" case managers.
Lessons on how to build and manage accountable care organizations, and a case study of the Mount Auburn Cambridge Independent Practice Association, which forged relationships among physicians and a hospital.
A conversation with Peter Pronovost about what's holding up progress in improving patient safety; a case study of the VA's teamwork approach to patient safety; and more.
A look at how engaging patients can improve health care quality and safety.
A look at collaborative care models and distance learning programs used to improve rural health care; a case study of an innovative hepatitis C treatment program in New Mexico; and more.
A look at one proposal for redesigning health care delivery; a case study of a worksite health clinic that promotes primary care and wellness; and more.
Lessons from Medicaid for promoting health information technology, plus a case study of a statewide health IT effort in Alabama.
This issue examines the links between sustainabilitiy and health--for patients, health care staff, and the broader community.
This issue looks at techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of care employees receive under their health benefit plans, while also lowering costs.
This issue looks at hospice and palliative care programs that work with patients and family members to help optimize quality of life.
Promoting quality throughout Indian country, a look at Indian Health Service and the Indian Health Council.
Reengineering health care, adopting management strategies and systems engineering tools to improve health care processes.
Exploring health care system quality improvement strategies designed to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and health outcomes.
Rethinking the approach to identifying developmental and behavioral delays in pediatric practices.
Reducing and preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions.
A look at the potential of patient-centered medical homes.
This issue looks at how perfomance data and multidisciplinary improvement teams are being used to improve health care quality.
A look at mortality data and quality improvement.
Using payment incentives to improve care delivery.
A look at the current efforts to improve care coordination and, a case study of an Ohio Care Coordination Network.
Putting patients and their families at the center of efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of health care services by focusing on their needs and preferences—rather than those of providers.
Changing the culture of nursing homes and, innovations that aim to eliminate the loneliness, helplessness, and boredom rampant among institutionalized elders.
An exploration of the problems associated with low health literacy and a look at a collaborative designed to improve patients' health literacy.
Improving quality and efficiency in response to pay-for-performance incentives under the medicare physician group practice demonstration.
A look at a model for public reporting on provider effectiveness and patient experiences.
An look at six strategies to prevent avoidable deaths and, defining and measuring safety improvement goals.
This month we focus on patient safety and preventable harm.
This month we examine the roles of clinical guidelines, protocols, and pathways in quality improvement.
In this issue we look at how to using information technology and community action to improve the health of a diverse patient population.