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Changing physician behavior: the Maine Medical Assessment Foundation
R B Keller1, D E Wennberg, D N Soule
1Maine Medical Assessment Foundation, Manchester, USA.
Quality Management in Health Care
|July 1, 1997
Summary
The Maine Medical Assessment Foundation successfully engaged physicians in voluntary self-assessment, leading to documented improvements in medical care quality and practice patterns. This physician-led approach fostered active participation in quality improvement initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Education
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Physician practice pattern modification is crucial for healthcare payers and regulators.
- Concerns exist regarding current strategies lacking physician input and participation.
- The Maine Medical Assessment Foundation (MMAF) has a history of practice pattern analysis since the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the methods and outcomes of MMAF's physician engagement in practice pattern analysis.
- To demonstrate successful clinician engagement in systematic medical care assessment.
- To document significant changes in physician practice patterns.
Main Methods:
- Systematic assessment of medical care provided to Maine residents.
- Engaging clinicians in voluntary self-assessment and education programs.
- Utilizing a nonprofit education and research organization model.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in physician practice patterns were documented.
- Physicians actively participated in the assessment and improvement process.
- The MMAF successfully engaged clinicians in quality improvement.
Conclusions:
- Physician-led, voluntary self-assessment can effectively drive practice pattern change.
- Collaborative approaches enhance physician participation in quality improvement.
- The MMAF model demonstrates a successful strategy for improving medical care quality.