In this issue:

Leaders in transforming care

The April Center Voices column from Trustee magazine explores key findings of a recently released report, “Governance of Physician Organizations: An Essential Step to Care Integration,” based on study conducted by the American Hospital Association’s Center for Healthcare Governance and Physician Leadership Forum.

 

The study defines physician organizations as entities designed to engage physicians in leadership, governance and decision-making of the clinical enterprise. It is among the first to explore governance and leadership in these organizations from the perspective of the physicians and executives who govern them.

 

Six diverse organizations participated in the study. Their boards and leaders provided information and perspectives, which were synthesized by an expert panel, to help other physician organizations understand governance and leadership practices in evolving entities. Out of this, the study identifies 10 principles of good governance that physician organizations can apply throughout their development.

 

As part of the follow-up work on the results of the study, the AHA’s Center for Healthcare Governance will develop tools and resources to help physician organizations achieve the goals of good governance and leadership.

Study finds PCMHs improve health outcomes, reduce costs

Patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) can lead to improvements in health outcomes and reduce the cost of care, according to recent study (abstract only) in the journal Health Affairs. The study looked at Geisinger Health System’s PCMH. Researchers analyzed claims data from elderly Medicare patients attending their clinics from 2006 through the first half of 2013. They looked at potential savings from four main areas – inpatient, outpatient, professional, and prescription drugs. They found the PCMH model led to a total savings of 7.9 percent, with the largest area being acute inpatient care (19 percent savings per member per month).

PBS documentary focuses on preparing future doctors for the new era of team-based, patient-centered care

A new 30-minute documentary set to air this spring on PBS stations nationwide profiles the Hofstra North-LIJ School of Medicine and their approach to educating the next generation of physicians. Called “Doctors of Tomorrow,” the film follows first-year medical students as they undergo a revolutionary type of training where the patient is at the center of care, and team-based care, compassion, and empathy are emphasized. They also train as emergency medical technicians and confront simulated disasters alongside members of the New York City Fire Department.

 

To watch “Doctors of Tomorrow,” check your local listings. It is also available online right now by going to http://interactive.wttw.com/rx-doctors-of-tomorrow.

White House issues national plan to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

The White House recently issued a five-year plan to reduce the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The plan seeks to slow the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and prevent the spread of resistant infections; strengthen and integrate surveillance systems that monitor human and animal pathogens; advance the development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests; accelerate research and development of new antibiotics, therapeutics and vaccines; and improve international collaboration and capacities. Targeted outcomes by 2020 include establishing antimicrobial stewardship programs in all acute-care hospitals and improved antimicrobial stewardship across all health care settings, and reducing inappropriate antibiotic use by 50 percent in outpatient settings and 20 percent in inpatient settings. For more information, see the White House factsheet. Last July, the AHA and six national partners released a toolkit to help hospitals and health systems develop and enhance their antimicrobial stewardship programs. According to a 2013 AHA Physician Leadership Forum white paper, appropriate use of antibiotics is one of five areas where hospitals, in partnership with their clinical staff and patients, should look to reduce non-beneficial care through appropriate use of medical resources.

Fee-for-value has potential to lower costs, improve quality

A recent article (abstract only) in the journal Health Affairs looks at how one group’s use of fee-for-value reimbursement led to cost savings and improved performance on quality measures. Researchers examined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Physician Group Incentive Program, whose primary care physicians are on a fee-for-value system. They analyzed data from three million beneficiaries in over 11,000 physician practices from 2008 to 2011. They found total spending for adults was 1.1 percent lower for those who participated in the incentive program. It was 5.1 percent lower for children. Also, over the time frame, participants showed the same or improved results on 11 of 14 quality measures.

PCORI issues fourth call for pragmatic clinical study proposals

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute this week announced up to $90 million in funding for pragmatic clinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of care options in “real-world” settings. Recommended research topics include comprehensive services to support infants and families after discharge from neonatal intensive care; multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs for managing moderate to severe traumatic brain injury in adults; alternative models of coordinated pain management in treating chronic, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain; alternative care delivery models for preventing cavities in medically underserved children; strategies for integrating pharmacists or pharmacy services into patient care; evidence-based screening and primary prevention approaches to adolescent suicide; multi-component systems interventions to improve outcomes for babies and mothers at risk for health disparities; and clinical interventions to reduce diabetes-related leg and foot amputations among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations. Letters of Intent are due May 1. For more information, see the funding announcement.

CMS announces next generation ACO model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced its Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model, which will be added to its existing portfolio of ACO models. The agency said the new model is intended for ACOs that are experienced in coordinating care for populations of patients, and will allow them to assume higher levels of financial risk and reward than under the Pioneer Model and Shared Savings Program. It expects 15-20 ACOs to participate in the new model, which will include three initial performance years and two optional one-year extensions. Round one letters of intent to participate are due May 1 and applications are due June 1.

Making the case for physician CEOs

A recent article from Becker’s Hospital Review makes the case that physicians are best suited to lead hospitals and health systems in the current environment. The article cites a study from 2011 that among the top hospitals ranked by US News and World Report, hospital quality scores were 25 percent higher at those organizations led by physicians. The article delves into the characteristics of a physician leader and how the role is evolving. The ideal physician leader of the future will have a combination of clinical, business, and leadership skills. In order to develop future physician leaders, the article suggests formal skill and training development, as well as giving them first-hand opportunities to lead.

AHA Health Care Transformation Fellowship

The Health Care Transformation Fellowship is an intensive, nine-month program targeting senior leaders to develop skills required for success in a rapidly evolving, dynamic health care environment. The curriculum covers a variety of health care transformation topics including innovative models of care delivery, financial models for the volume to value transition, and population health management. This robust fellowship is designed to give participants knowledge, actionable tools and valuable connections to transform their organizations, as well as ongoing opportunities for learning and involvement. Recruiting is currently underway for the next fellowship class, with applications due June 1. More detailed information can be found at www.hpoe.org/hctfellowship.

AHME Institute, May 13-15 in San Diego

The Association for Hospital Medical Education (AHME) Institute will include presentations from ABMS, ACCME, ACGME, AHA, AMA, ECFMG, IHI, as well as from AHME members describing the approaches they have taken to ensure that their educational programs are successful and their graduates well prepared for the health care environment of the future. The full program and information regarding registration are available at www.ahme.org.

Register now for the TeamSTEPPS ^® national conference, June 16-18 in Denver

Register now for the TeamSTEPPS National Conference, taking place   June 16-18 at the Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Colo. The annual conference serves as a forum for health care professionals to share their unique experiences with TeamSTEPPS implementation and research. Change is constant in health care, so come hear fresh perspectives on current and future trends that affect TeamSTEPPS. The conference offers multiple concurrent presentations, a plenary event, workshops, networking opportunities and a poster display. Session descriptions and registration for workshops will be forthcoming; meanwhile, please see the high-level themes that will be focused on during the conference:

Space is limited so to ensure your conference registration and stay at the host hotel, visit the TeamSTEPPS website to view the planned conference agenda and register for this free event.

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