Reducing Health Disparities in Missouri through Partnership with Primary Care Association

Objective:To implement quality improvement and chronic disease management in improving diabetic care and cardiovascular disease for the patients of the twenty-one (21) federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) located throughout the state of Missouri.

Methods:Since 2003, a formal contractual relationship began, bringing quality improvement practices that enable FQHCs to continually improve care for their patients.  The FQHCs have changed to a planned care approach that will allow an increasing percentage of patients to receive recommended treatment and prevention exams to reduce the secondary complications caused by chronic diseases.  There are seven (7) diabetic and three (3) cardiovascular disease indicators benchmarked monthly.

Results:Participation in the collaboration has increased the capacity of the FQHCs to provide evidence-based patient care to disparate populations.  Data showed that diabetic measures are exceeding national standards for HbA1c levels, blood pressure, and LDL.  One additional diabetic measure (smoking and cessation advice) is improving close to the national standard. 

Conclusion:Participation in the Collaboration has: 1.      Supported FQHCs to create system change to improve patient and eliminate health disparities 2.      Enhanced FQHCs  to spread quality improvement activities to other chronic diseases 3.      Improved diabetes and cardiovascular disease measures