Westshore Family Medicine among top 10% of providers in nation
Muskegon, Mich. (November 15, 2006) - Westshore Family Medicine (WSFM) recently received recognition for their active participation in PPRNet, a national primary care practice-based research and quality improvement organization. This achievement places WSFM among the top 10% of physician practices in the nation.
PPRNet is unique in its approach by requiring that all members of this network be able to obtain and save patient information on an electronic medical record system. WSFM participated in a nation-wide study funded by the U.S. Public Health Service Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality designed to accelerate translation of evidence-based medical guidelines into practice (ATRIP).
105 practices nationwide have been involved with the two-year project to improve the delivery of care within the physician office setting. Over 75 indicators for improving healthcare were reported on throughout this process. The guidelines are for prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, cancer screenings, immunizations, respiratory disease, mental health and substance abuse, nutrition and obesity, and safe drug prescribing in the elderly.
As part of this recognition of participation, several staff members of WSFM traveled to Charleston, SC to the Network Meeting. Dr. Joel Jarvis, Family Practice Physician at WSFM presented the office's experience with PPRNet and the impact that it had on both staff and patients. "Being part of this initiative has been worthwhile for this practice", says Dr. Jarvis. "We began this initiative two years ago and have seen a transformation with our staff by being proactive with patients to ensure that the appropriate tests and vaccinations are being done for prevention of disease."
PPRNet has been instrumental in linking physicians who use the electronic medical record for their patients for standing orders such as immunizations. When a patient is at a physician visit, if an immunization is overdue, it is flagged and the staff talks with the patient about receiving the immunization during their visit. Many times the patient has been immunized before the physician comes to see the patient.
Staff members who attended this conference all shared life changing experiences. "Our patients expect that the physician will tell them when their next tests or procedures will happen," says Cindy Delgado, Clinical Team Leader. Mary White, a data clerk stated "Everyone provides the care to each patient. From the front line staff to the physician, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that their patients are healthy and taking the necessary steps to remain healthy and fight disease." Echoing Mary?s experience, Crys Tapanila, LPN has witnessed first hand the "increased quality of care that is delivered to each patient."
WSFM has been influential in looking at the traditional delivery of healthcare and creatively changing how it is delivered to their patients. At a time when healthcare providers are stretched in many directions, the staff at WSFM has proved that each employee is part of caring for the patient and taking a proactive approach to treating the patient.
About Mercy General Health Partners
MGHP is the specialty referral hospital along the lakeshore. MGHP?s specialty services include open heart, cardiology, vascular, emergency services, cancer care, orthopedic and spine surgery, urology, bariatric surgery/weight management, nephrology, ENT, palliative care and rehabilitation. MGHP promotes excellence in a variety of areas through specialized institutes and centers where specialty and primary care physicians and staff work collaboratively. Some of these centers include the Heart and Vascular Institute, the Centers for Women?s Health, the Center for Weight Management, the Imaging Center of Excellence and the Emergency Center. |
