Improving patient health outcomes through an EHR based quality improvement initiative: A multimedia program description and provider perspective of bridges to excellence (BTE) as a tool for minimizing health disparities in chronic condition management

Background: Since its inception in 2005, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) Primary Care Information Project (PCIP) is committed to improving the quality of care in medically underserved communities through the successful adoption and use of health information technology and data exchange. In alignment with PCIP's unique partnership with primary care providers serving high risk patient populations, PCIP has joined efforts with the New York State Health Foundation's (NYSHF) Meeting the Mark (MTM) initiative, which aims to assist 3,000 primary care providers statewide achieve recognition for excellence in diabetes care. PCIP has assisted 51 providers achieve recognition through the Bridges to Excellence (BTE) Diabetes Recognition Program, providing an opportunity for clinicians to assess their documentation and workflow practices in hopes of improving overall diabetes care. Objective/Purpose: To describe PCIP's BTE project in a descriptive, qualitative format using providers' insights in a multimedia presentation, in which the project's recruitment, implementation and recognition challenges and successes will also be highlighted. Methods: Recognition status is based on a thorough review of the providers' charts, and the assessment of 7 clinical measures related to excellence in diabetes care. Regardless of whether recognition is achieved, providers are then given individual feedback that is meant to enhance patient outcomes through revised workflows and improved documentation practices. Results: Out of 74 participating providers whose charts were assessed, 69% of providers, who serve approximately 68,000 patients, achieved recognition. Discussion/Conclusion: By participating in BTE, providers received feedback concerning the quality and thoroughness of care they administer to their patients with diabetes, and gained awareness on areas in need of improvement. High-performing providers receptive to receiving feedback on the clinical measures assessed were also more inclined to implement changes in their documentation and workflow practices, and therefore more likely to achieve recognition.