Four-step strategy suggested for boosting practice quality of care

(HealthDay)—Four steps can help doctors improve patient care and office efficiency, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

The Plan-Do-Study-Act strategy can be implemented in order to make quality-of-care improvements. The strategy incorporates developing the initiative, implementing the plan, checking the results, and making further improvements.

According to the report, as part of quality improvement initiatives, physicians should ask clinical team members and clerical staff their opinions on what needs to change. The module can help with development of the steps needed for the plan, including the aim; when the changes will take place; and what training and preparation is needed. The module also helps with follow-through once the plan has been developed, offering suggestions on how to implement the plan and assessing whether the changes are working.

"The module on quality improvement using Plan-Do-Study-Act is one of eight new modules recently added to the AMA's STEPS Forward collection of practice improvement strategies to help physicians make transformative changes to their practices," according to the report.