Hospitals, Health IT

New online resource assists safety-net primary care practice improvement

While countless online practice-improvement resources exist, there is an acute need for help in safety-net primary care, especially as the U.S. healthcare industry slowly shifts away from fee-for-service to outcomes-based care. That is the idea behind the new Primary Care Information Network.

While countless online practice-improvement resources exist, there is an acute need for help in safety-net primary care, especially as the U.S. healthcare industry slowly shifts away from fee-for-service to outcomes-based care.

That is the idea behind the Primary Care Information Network, a new offering from the Primary Care Development Corp., a New York City-based organization that promotes primary care access and improvement in underserved communities.

“Ours has a particular focus on safety-net providers,” explained Alan Mitchell, director of the organization’s Center for Primary Care Transformation and lead on the PCIN project. “These are resources and tools for primary care practices who are hoping to improve the quality and safety of their care.”

The site features information on such topics as scheduling workflows, care coordination, the patient-centered medical home model, health IT and specific tools for HIV prevention.

Much of the content comes from tools PCDC has developed, while other resources, including the HIV section, are from “peers” such as the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Primary Care Information Project, according to Mitchell. The Primary Care Information Project, which operates the city’s regional extension center, was created by Dr. Farzad Mostashari before he became national health IT coordinator.

“We’re seeking additional collaborators,” Mitchell added.

The PCIN is freely available to anyone and only requires registration for users who wish to comment on specific resources or take part in discussions, Mitchell said. “This gives an opportunity for healthcare professionals to discuss important information with their peers from around the country.”

 

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