The new issue of Health Affairs takes a detailed look at health care systems that have already launched care delivery innovations. Supported in part by The Commonwealth Fund, the 15 innovation profiles describe how a wide variety of organizations—ranging from health care systems to health plan—are working to overcome multiple challenges in pursuit of the Triple Aim.
The 15 profiles are:
At UPMC, Improving Care Processes to Serve Patients Better and Cut Costs
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at the impact of process improvement techniques to promote patient-centered care at a nonprofit health system in Pennsylvania.
Changing the Conversation in California About Care Near the End of Life
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at an integrated system of care for patients with late-stage chronic illnesses at Sutter Health.
A New Care Paradigm Slashes Hospital Use and Nursing Home Stays for the Elderly and the Physically and Mentally Disabled
This Commonwealth Fund-supported study found that the cost of providing additional support services to older people and the physically and mentally disabled is offset by reduced hospitalizations and nursing home placements.
Using Teams, Real-Time Information, and Teleconferencing to Improve Elders' Hospital Care
This Commonwealth Fund-supported study used a computerized data tool that provides multidisciplinary teams with real-time information on elderly patients' health risks and allows the teams to customize their treatment plans.
A Health Plan Spurs Transformation of Primary Care Practices into Better-Paid Medical Homes
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at how several primary care practices redefined staff roles and added care managers to improve care coordination and patient outcomes.
Predictive Modeling and Team Care for High-Need Patients at HealthCare Partners
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at the use of multidisciplinary teams composed of physicians, nurse care managers, and social workers to work with patients and reduce their risk of hospitalization.
At Martin's Point in Maine, Primary Care Teams for Chronic Disease Patients
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at how Martin's Point Health Care, a Maine-based nonprofit primary care health system, improved care for patients with chronic disease by reorganizing practices around care teams.
Restructuring Care in a Federally Qualified Health Center to Better Meet Patients’ Needs
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article examines the results of a Colorado health center that instituted group visits for prenatal care and offered same-day appointments.
Charting a Life-and-Health Cycle and Expanded Primary Care Options for Patients in Wisconsin
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at how Bellin Health, a nonprofit health system in Wisconsin, opened 40 retail clinics in supermarkets and improved access to primary care.
Redesigning Acute Care Processes in Wisconsin
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article focuses on ThedaCare, a five-hospital health system in Wisconsin that identified and remedied problematic features of its inpatient care using workflow diagrams.
The 'GRACE' Model: In-Home Assessments Lead to Better Care for Dual Eligibles
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article examines the Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders model of comprehensive, coordinated care.
Improving the Coordination of Care for Medicaid Beneficiaries in Pennsylvania
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at how care managers can help reduce gaps in care and increase efficiency by improving communication among providers.
Taking Public Health Approaches to Care in Massachusetts
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at the impact of a team approach to home care visits in Massachusetts.
Vermont's Blueprint for Medical Homes, Community Health Teams, and Better Health at Lower Cost
This Commonwealth Fund-supported article looks at how community health teams can help primary care practices deliver better care at a lower cost.
Targeted Care Improvements Show Promising Results for Treating Children with Asthma
A new Commonwealth Fund-supported study looked at the impact of an initiative providing training and support to help 49 pediatric practices improve asthma care for children.