Conference Abstracts
Preliminary Experiences with the Integration of a Patient-centered Medical Home into Ambulatory Healthcare Services Centers in Abu Dhabi
Authors:
Latifa Mohammad BaynounaAl Ketbi ,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Mariam Al Kwuiti,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Mouza Al Kwuiti,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Shamma Al Alawi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Noura Al Ghaithi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Majida Al Shamsi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Fatima Al Marzouqi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Amal Al Zarouni,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Durra Al Bloushi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Fathya Al Awadhi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Hanan Abdubaqi,
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Amal Al Harbi
Ambulatory Healthcare Service, AE
Abstract
Background: Abu Dhabi Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) provides primary health care to a network of 47 centers. A project was started in 2013 to improve health care delivery by transforming the AHS centers into patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). The aims of this study are the following:
1. To describe the process of applying the US NCQA standards to the local primary care system in Abu Dhabi.
2. To evaluate a pilot program to implement the NCQA standards and their impacts on multiple process outcomes.
Methods:
Design: This was a retrospective, before-and-after, quasi-experimental study in which 3 centers implemented PCMH standards while the rest maintained routine functioning.
Intervention: The system redesign and care strategies were implemented following NCQA standards, with an emphasis on the introduction of primary care physicians, empanelment, population management, team building, and supportive policies, as well as utilizing and optimizing EMRs. Reports provided by the EMR system allowed live monitoring of progress and facilitated population management, coordination of care, referral and investigation tracking, safe prescribing strategies and continual key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring. CAHPS and PACIC were translated and validated.
Results: The three pilot centers outperformed non-pilot centers in clinical outcomes. The 3 centers persistently exhibited better performance on their clinical KPIs. The CAHPS and PACIC results showed high overall satisfaction at the pilot centers compared to the comparison centers. Emergency room utilization was lower in the pilot centers (p <0.0001) than all other centers.
Conclusion: This study shed light on a firm path to operationalizing PCMH to enhance the quality and access to care, complete with lessons learned to share with the community.
How to Cite:
BaynounaAl Ketbi LM, Al Kwuiti M, Al Kwuiti M, Al Alawi S, Al Ghaithi N, Al Shamsi M, et al.. Preliminary Experiences with the Integration of a Patient-centered Medical Home into Ambulatory Healthcare Services Centers in Abu Dhabi. International Journal of Integrated Care. 2017;17(3):A3. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.3282
Published on
11 Jul 2017.
Downloads
