The implementation of a bundle of quality measures for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) helped identify gaps in care delivery, and another quality improvement study resulted in increased safety of intravenous infusions at a pediatric rheumatology practice. These abstracts were among six presented at a session titled, “Quality Measures and Innovations in Practice Management and Care Delivery I,” here at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago in November. [Editor’s note: First session (Walker) was recorded and is available via ACR SessionSelect at www.rheumatology.org.]
Quality Measure Tool
Chad Walker
Chad P. Walker, DO, a second-year rheumatology fellow at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., presented the results of implementing an RA quality-measure bundle that focused on improving disease activity, medication safety, and comorbid hyperlipidemia in nearly 1,700 patients with RA. He defined a quality bundle as “different care processes and protocols.” Rheumatologists at Geisinger agreed to be held accountable for the selected quality measures.