Coaching Small Primary Care Practices to Use Patient Portals

Hypertension and Diabetes Quality Improvement in a Practice Transformation Network

The Garden Practice Transformation Network in Maryland brought together primary and specialty practices working toward value-based models and efficient care delivery. Practices were provided with coaching and live and multimedia education regarding practice transformation and quality improvement. Coaches supported practices in multipronged approaches to quality improvement. Practice champions and clinical staff were trained on appropriate documentation of blood pressure (BP) and diabetes measures, and new workflows to optimize care delivery. Quality improvement staff were trained in extracting data from electronic health records, providing feedback to practice clinicians, and reporting to Practice Transformation Network staff. Final measurement of BP control was 66%, and final measurement of blood glucose control was 28%. Quality improvement activities in a practice transformation network led to the delivery of high-quality care and quality improvement.