Do all components of the chronic care model contribute equally to quality improvement?
BACKGROUND
The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is a widely used conceptual model for improving chronic illness care, but there is limited evidence to support the validity of this model. Seventeen clinics in a single medical group used the CCM in a diabetes improvement initiative, and the study tested which CCM components at the clinic level were associated with improved glycohemoglobin (A1C) and low-density (LDL) outcomes for patients with diabetes.


METHODS
Three leaders from each of 17 clinics completed a survey in 2002 that assessed the presence of CCM components in their clinics. Clinic scores from this survey were correlated with change in clinic-level measures of the quality of care for their diabetes patients (A1C and LDL outcomes) during the preceding year.


RESULTS
Delivery system design (DSD) scores were positively correlated with improvements in A1C and lipid test rates and levels at these clinics (r = 0.49-0.57, p < .05). Self-management support and clinical information systems demonstrated associations that may have substantive significance but did not reach p < 05.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that delivery system design is associated with improved A1C and LDL outcomes for people with diabetes. Additional studies are necessary to determine the association of other CCM components with improved outcomes.
Sperl-Hillen
JoAnn M
JM
HealthPartners Medical Group and HealthPartners Research Foundation, Minneapolis, USA. joann.m.sperlhillen@HealthPartners.com
Solberg
Leif I
LI
Hroscikoski
Mary C
MC
Crain
A Lauren
AL
Engebretson
Karen I
KI
O'Connor
Patrick J
PJ
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003625:Data Collection; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D008910:Minnesota; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin