Open AccessTen Common Structures and Processes of High-Performing Primary Care Practices
Author(s) -
Ann Nguyen,
Margaret M. Paul,
Donna Shelley,
Stephanie L. Albert,
Deborah J. Cohen,
Pam Bonsu,
Tamar Wyte-Lake,
Saul Blecker,
Carolyn A. Berry
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of public health management and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.771
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1550-5022
pISSN - 1078-4659
DOI - 10.1097/phh.0000000000001451
Subject(s) - outreach , primary care , context (archaeology) , nursing , process management , best practice , sample (material) , knowledge management , medicine , psychology , business , family medicine , computer science , political science , paleontology , law , biology , chemistry , chromatography
Structures (context of care delivery) and processes (actions aimed at delivery care) are posited to drive patient outcomes. Despite decades of primary care research, there remains a lack of evidence connecting specific structures/processes to patient outcomes to determine which of the numerous recommended structures/processes to prioritize for implementation. The objective of this study was to identify structures/processes most commonly present in high-performing primary care practices for chronic care management and prevention. We conducted key informant interviews with a national sample of 22 high-performing primary care practices. We identified the 10 most commonly present structures/processes in these practices, which largely enable 2 core functions: mobilizing staff to conduct patient outreach and helping practices avoid gaps in care. Given the costs of implementing and maintaining numerous structures/processes, our study provides a starting list for providers to prioritize and for researchers to investigate further for specific effects on patient outcomes.