Working for Quality

Indiana, Ohio Groups Develop Improvement Programs Aligned With National Quality Strategy Priorities

New online summaries describe the efforts of two organizations that have developed health care improvement strategies in support of National Quality Strategy (NQS) priorities:

• Researchers at Indiana University designed the Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE) Team Care model to improve care for low-income seniors with multiple chronic conditions. Resulting reductions in hospitalizations, readmissions and emergency department visits have led several organizations nationwide to adopt the model. Indiana University offers technical assistance tools and support for organizations seeking to implement the model.
• To reduce morbidity and mortality, the Better Health Partnership published scores on the quality of care delivered by more than 700 providers in northeast Ohio. Between 2010 and 2013, the partnership’s quality improvement efforts helped reduce hospitalizations for patients with diabetes, hypertension, angina or heart failure by 10 percent, saving $20 million in health care costs.

Email NQStrategy@ahrq.hhs.gov to report the success of a program that aligns with one of NQS’s six quality improvement priorities.