Organizational Change
Several health systems and individual practices have begun to redesign their organizations to integrate patient- and family-centered care into the delivery of primary care. Two elements - the commitment of organizational leaders, physicians, and staff and partnerships with patients and families have been key to these efforts. We hope these profiles of organizational change will inspire others.
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- The John D. Stoeckle Center for Primary Care Innovation
- Presbyterian Medical Group, Albuquerque, NM
Mike Nelson, MD, is an obvious champion for patient- and family-centered care. Even though the first patient and family council of the Presbyterian Medical Group, Albuquerque, NM, the ambulatory care clinical division of the Presbyterian Healthcare System, came into being just over a year ago (2006), three councils are actively engaged in changing the experience of care for the 11,800 people served at two of their 11 clinics (total population = 160,672). "I donšt see any other choice; patients and staff see the value almost immediately. There is no going back. Other clinics (within the system) are asking me how to get started."
Mike Nelson, Medical Director, Quality Improvement, Presbyterian Medical Group, Albuquerque, NM, obtained national certification as a quality engineer in June 2004 and, in October 2007, a Six Sigma Black Belt