Findings From FMAHealth's Bright Spots in Practice Transformation Project

Family physicians are increasingly making or contemplating various methods of practice transformation, but most report significant barriers to making that transition. Given strong interest in practice transformation, and perceived barriers to doing so, it is important to examine how some practices are implementing changes and overcoming barriers. In this project, Family Medicine for America's Health Practice Team learned from practices across the United States that are transforming and experiencing the benefits of working in a comprehensive, value-based practice. The objectives of the project were to identify drivers of transformation to value-based care and ways of working with drivers to mitigate potential barriers, and to determine relationships between practice transformation and joy of practice.

Fifteen practices of varying size and type from 11 states participated in this project. Practices were sent a short-answer survey about their practice, transformation, and payment structure. Next, practices participated in a 45-60-minute deep-dive interview. All surveys and interviews were iteratively coded to identify themes using Thomas Bodenheimer, MD, et al's building blocks of high performing primary care framework.

Engaged leadership, data-driven improvement, team-based care, and comprehensiveness and care coordination were primary drivers of transformation, with payment as a needed foundation. Practice transformation helped meet the triple aim and was correlated to joy of practice.

Practices are transforming to comprehensive value-based care delivery and experiencing greater joy in practice; but payment reform is required to spread and sustain practice transformation.