Steps Involved In Identifying A Best Practice Method

1) Development of Conceptual Model:

§   Literature review

§   Interviews and/or focus groups with stakeholders: physicians, nurses, patients, pharmacists, health insurance companies, malpractice insurance carriers

§   Creation of a unified conceptual model and/or list of components/steps

§   Feedback from stakeholders on face validity of the model

2) Definition of 'Best' Method:

§   Determine desired qualities (e.g. cost, accuracy, patient, physician, nurse, etc. satisfaction, etc.) and their relative values overall and for each step

§   Determine methods to be used to measure each quality overall and for each step

§   Set minimum standards for each quality

3) Identification/Evaluation of Potential Methods for each Component:

§   Survey participating physicians/nurses to identify potentially effective methods for each component.

§   Define methods through in-depth interviews and direct observation

§   Select methods to be evaluated for each component

§   Evaluate selected methods

§   Time-motion studies of components

§   Select 'best' method(s) for each component

3) Combining 'Best' Components:

§   Assess compatibility of individual 'best' methods for each of components

§   Develop combined 'best' method from best method for each component

§   Calculate approximate cost from time-motion studies.

§   Consider for whom the method might not work well and why.

4) Test Combined Method:

§   Identify sites that want to test new method

§   Measure baseline performance

§   Implement new method

§   Test performance of new method

Downloadable Best Practice Methods:

Laboratory Test Results Management
Prescription Refill Management
Diabetes Care
No-Shows
Management of Obesity in Adults (In Progress)
Delivery of Preventive Services
Best Practices Research - Summary
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Protocol