Researchers posit a conceptual model consisting of 10 building blocks they assert are the essential elements of high-performing primary care.
The building blocks include four foundational elements -
- engaged leadership
- data-driven improvement
- empanelment
- and team-based care
These assist the implementation of the other six building blocks -
- patient-team partnership
- population management
- continuity of care
- prompt access to care
- comprehensiveness and care coordination
- and a template of the future
The model is based on the authors' experiences studying exemplar primary care practices and assisting practices to become more patient-centered.
While the building blocks focus on design elements largely under the control of the practice organization, the authors note that external reforms are needed to support the building blocks - principally a reformed payment model. They hope the building blocks can help practices in their journey toward becoming high-performing patient-centered medical homes.
The 10 Building Blocks of High-Performing Primary Care
By Thomas Bodenheimer, MD, et al University of California, San Francisco