There is now evidence that including patients as part of ambulatory redesign leads to better outcomes. A systematic review of 40 quality improvement initiatives found that engaging patients in QI efforts led to concrete service changes: improving appointment access, enhancing support mechanisms for patients with chronic illness, and improving clinic work flows.
AF4Q Alliances are on the forefront of building the capacity to include patients as part of outpatient redesign. Humboldt County and South Central Pennsylvania operate projects in which patient volunteers and their primary care physicians and practice staff work together on quality improvement teams. The practices use a detailed job description to identify patients. Patient partners undergo an orientation to establish expectations, introduce QI methodology, and learn techniques for working effectively as a team.
The practice coach has a unique role in ensuring that the patient partner is working effectively at the practice level. Humboldt County uses a collaborative coaching model in which the patient partner is supported by both the program coordinator and the practice coach assigned to that practice. Part of a practice coach’s dashboard or registry should include an assessment of the level of function of the practice coach to ensure that the patient partner is an effective member of the practice QI team.
Compiled by Jen Powell, an AF4Q technical advisor working with the Improving Performance in Practice (IPIP) Technical Support Team.
When do practice coaches end engagement with a practice?
It depends on a number of factors.
How do you monitor a practice coach’s effectiveness?
A systematic monthly review of practice progress is a great strategy.
What is a practice coach?
Making meaningful change to improve outcomes.
Does practice coaching improve practice performance?
Evidence reveals improvement in the quality of primary care.
How does a practice coach assess a practice to determine areas of need and focus?
Focus on the practice’s ability to undertake improvement efforts, for starters.
How do practice coaches support practices in making organizational changes necessary to improve care?
Learn more from AF4Q Alliances.
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- What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
- What are the benefits of personal health records?
- What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
- Where should I incorporate consumers into my practice or hospital?
- How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
- How do I clarify my role as a consumer within my organization or Alliance?
- How do I become a better consumer leader?