Using online learning collaboratives to facilitate practice improvement for COPD: an ACPNet pilot study.
The purpose of this pilot study was to (1) understand the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of internists who manage patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and (2) evaluate the impact of a multifaceted approach to quality improvement (QI) work involving the management of COPD patients. This pilot study used a pre-post intervention design. The intervention included an online educational toolkit, QI coaching calls led by faculty, and the use of individual physician feedback reports to act as motivators for change. Data were collected using a practice pattern survey and a chart abstraction tool to identify discrepancies between perceived and actual care. Results from the pilot study showed a statistically significant improvement in quality indicators postintervention, suggesting a causal relationship with the multifaceted intervention. Discrepancies were identified between perceived and actual care in the areas of spirometry, pulse oximetry (exertion and resting), influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, peak flow assessment, and inhaler use instruction.
American College of Physicians, 190 N Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. mgannon@acponline.org
Meghan
M
Gannon
Amir
A
Qaseem
Vincenza
V
Snow
Qianna
Q
Snooks
D000368:Aged; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies