Turning on the care coordination switch in rural primary care: voices from the practices--clinician champions, clinician partners, administrators, and nurse care managers.

Fagnan LJ, Dorr DA, Davis M, McGinnis P, Mahler J, King MM, Michaels L.

Source

Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Clinical & Translational Science Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. fagnanl@ohsu.edu

Abstract

This study sought to understand the acceptability and feasibility of office-based nurse care management in medium to large rural primary care practices. A qualitative assessment of Care Management Plus (a focused medical home model for complex patients) implementation was conducted using semistructured interviews with 4 staff cohorts. Cohorts included clinician champions, clinician partners, practice administrators, and nurse care managers. Seven key implementation attributes were: a proven care coordination program; adequate staffing; practice buy-in; adequate time; measurement; practice facilitation; and functional information technology. Although staff was positive about the care coordination concept, model acceptability was varied and additional study is required to determine sustainability.