Team Based Approach to Primary Care

PROJECT SUMMARY

The rapidly evolving health care industry has impacted the traditional care delivery model. The primary care setting is challenged to focus beyond episodic care and create an environment that centers on health promotion and disease prevention. Overall the nation is struggling with a decline in primary care physicians which impacts the patient panel size managed by each provider. Health care systems must foster a culture of interactions with patients to improve: comprehensiveness, coordination, efficiency, effectiveness, and value of care. The current traditional workflow is not designed to support the large volume of tasks which have created a burnt-out atmosphere for physicians and support staff.

A new model of Primary care workflow has emerged over the past 15 years. The restructured workflow uses a high functioning team to accomplish the interdisciplinary approach to population health. Evidence suggests that advanced functioning teams promote physician and staff satisfaction in addition to enhancing quality outcomes (Sinsky, 2019). Building strong team dynamics among care team members helps alleviate physician burnout through the redistribution of tasks. The team-based approach allows each member to work within the scope of their profession, treating the whole patient at each interaction, and identifying gaps in care. Additionally, the new model of care delivery has improved patient throughput efficiencies to add additional office visits each day.

The redesigned workflow provides a structured approach to maximize the quality of care, enrich the patient experience, and manage the overall cost of care. The plan outline includes a three-phase approach to standardize workflow and build team dynamics in each practice. The patient-centered care mindset creates positive outcomes and patient and provider satisfaction.

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