Family physicians have an opportunity to take part in a statewide quality improvement (QI) initiative centered on improving blood pressure control, smoking rates, and disparity reduction in practice all while earning needed Performance Improvement credit through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).
Additionally, participating practices will receive valuable continuing medical education credit through the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and up to $4,000 depending upon their level of data collection support required. Please view the flyer for more details on how you can get involved.
A quick, three-minute video featuring OAFP member Chris Bernheisel, MD, describes the hallmarks of the benefits and expectations of participating practices–take a look.
Sixty (60) primary care practices will be selected to participate in quarterly webinars and monthly practice coaching for one (1) year to implement evidence-based strategies to improve and reduce disparities in the ABCS (aspirin when indicated, blood pressure, cholesterol management, and smoking).
The ideal practice for this program will have HEDIS blood pressure control rates of <70%, and or smoking rates at >10%.
Practices will share electronic health record data monthly on key process and outcome measures related to blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and smoking cessation which can be graphed and used for continuous QI by the practice.
Although recruitment is starting now, practices must be ready to start by January 2022. All primary care practice types are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
The Heart Healthy Ohio Quality Improvement Project is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and is a partnership with the Ohio Cardiovascular and Diabetes Health Collaborative (Cardi-OH) and the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians.
If you are interested in the Heart Healthy Ohio Initiative, please contact Cathy Sullivan at to arrange a call to discuss participation as soon as possible. Enrollment is limited.