Providers Improving Practices
Mayo Clinic Health System Practice-Based Research Network (MCHS PBRN) — impacting practice … one study at a time.
A focus group study on weight loss in the Hispanic community reviewed weight-loss materials for Spanish speakers created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Result: Improvements in the type of information we acquire for our Spanish-speaking patients and how we provide information to them in a clinical setting.
A prenatal group B streptococcal screening study led to changes in the ordering system for providers, allowing them to more easily order group B streptococcal screening consistent with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and recommendations.
Result: A more effective and efficient practice.
A tuberculosis screening study among employees in critical-access hospitals statewide examined existing policies and procedures for tuberculosis screening and their implementation.
Result: Increased knowledge about current expectations and guidelines for tuberculosis surveillance of health care professionals consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy, as well as information about how guidelines are being implemented.
A team care management of diabetes study looked at team-level factors influencing patient outcomes and found little to no differences in certification-level qualifications of nurses versus clinical assistants in affecting some outcomes for patients.
Result: Clinics can have some latitude in determining the highest level of certification needed for optimal outcomes, thus hiring the most appropriate team members.
The effectiveness of 360-degree reviews of physicians was evaluated in a study of practice improvement efforts in team-based communications.
Result: Changes to the review process and instilling a strong expectation that opinions from all levels of staff are recognized equally, with enhanced communication leading to greater team satisfaction.
The Minnesota Department of Health Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) for southeastern Minnesota selected the MCHS PBRN to help develop and conduct a survey identifying medical providers' awareness and utilization of community-based resources for obesity management and smoking cessation. This had a significant impact on the way public health practices were making information and resources available to providers.
Result: Increased choices for medical clinics in managing the information, giving them more autonomy and control in using these resources.
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