Pediatrics clinic strives for continuity of care

  • Published
  • By Maj. Aaron Dimitras
  • 48th Medical Group
ROAYL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Medical Group pediatric clinic has implemented the Patient Centered Medical Home model.

The pediatric clinic implemented the PCMH to align the delivery of medical care with the Air Force directive to support the Air Force Surgeon General's priorities of "better care and better health at the best value while driving change and supporting optimal readiness."

The primary goals in PCMH are ensuring high-quality patient care, appointment accessibility and improved patient outcomes. This is accomplished through medical care coordination health information technology, and trained staff to provide coordinate primary care, referrals, and follow up care through the team-based model.

The primary goals in PCMH are ensuring high-quality patient care, appointment accessibility and improved patient outcomes.

Improving patient/family satisfaction is accomplished by every patient having a personal provider that coordinates all the patient's health care needs and appropriately arranges care for all stages of life. The medical home model strives to generate better overall outcomes because of the collaborative care integrating healthcare teams with the patient.

"The PCMH model places our children first," said Maj. Mary Anne Kiel, 48th MDG pediatric clinic flight commander. "Our team uses evidence-based medicine and clinical decision support tools in providing world class care. The delivery of high-quality medicine is accomplished by optimizing continuity of care. The pediatric clinic's goal is to enhance access to care and ensure our medical care is outstanding."

To implement the goals of PCMH, new clinic programs have been developed.

The chronic illness, asthma, and obesity registries are all an integral part of disease management. This means the complete PCMH team is involved in patient care and education.

The team of nurses and medical technicians provide essential coordination of care, follow-up appointments, education and support to empower healthy change and improve the well-being of all involved.

"By consistently emphasizing continuity throughout the disease management process, our children are more likely to succeed," said Maj. Katherine Tille, 48th MDG pediatric medical director. "When they have a team of professionals helping them to make the best choices for their health, the patient has the best chance of maintaining good health and achieving wellness."

The PCMH approach to continuity of care improves children's health, prevents hospital admissions, and is in line with the 48th MDG's vision of "Your Health Care Right - The First Time, Every Time."