Improving patient follow-up through implementation of an ambulatory care quality improvement program

Nurse practitioners in ambulatory care settings must begin using quality improvement strategies to enhance patient outcomes and to improve patient follow-up. The article highlights the development and beginning stages of implementation of one such quality improvement program and discusses the actions that were taken to increase timeliness of key patient processes. An example of a quality improvement educational program, outlines of the plan, and scope of services are also provided.