Pediatric clinic adopts patient-centered model

Published Feb. 1, 2012
By 81st Medical Group
Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Medical Operations Squadron Pediatric Clinic began transitioning to the Air Force's patient-centered medical home concept Jan. 1.

PCMH is a 1960s model currently making a comeback as the nation struggles to make health care more efficient, costeffective and a more satisfying experience for both patients and health-care providers. It's been in place at Keesler since Sept. 1, 2010, when it was activated within the squadron's family health clinic.

The patient-centered model consists of a primary-care doctor, nurse and medical technicians who work as a team providing treatment for most conditions and making referrals to specialists as necessary. Under the Air Force program, a pediatric team consists of three pediatricians (either a physician or nurse practitioner), two registered nurses and four medical technicians. The model has the support of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other national health-care groups.

Keesler's pediatric clinic, which serves approximately 6,000 patients, is composed of two pediatric teams. Although transition to teams will be virtually transparent to patients, dedicated appointments with the assigned team pediatrician will become more apparent with the initiation of PCMH.

According to Marsha Nelson, 81st Medical Group group practice manager, "PCMH will solidify the Air Force surgeon general's vision of primary care at Air Force medical treatment facilities becoming a medical 'home' providing a satisfying experience for both patients and medical staff." She continued, "Primary goals are improved doctor-patient relationships, better access to treatment and higher quality care. PCMH centers on the personal relationship between patient and provider and building rapport with the medical team -- doctor, nurse and technician. It focuses on preventive, proactive care instead of reactive care, leading ultimately to healthier Airmen and their families. Keesler is laying the groundwork to establish continuity among patients and the PCMH team."

Nelson explained, "Patients no longer will be booked with potentially six different clinic providers, but with providers within their assigned medical team. As continuity is established between the team and patient, trust should grow resulting in a more satisfying health-care encounter.

"As with any new endeavor, there may be a few 'hiccups' along the way," she said. "Patient suggestions will help make this process successful." However, she added, "as with any military organization, deployments and staff reassignments are a reality and may result in periodic changes to the medical team. When a team provider is absent for an extended period, the patient can anticipate an interruption in the continuity of care. For longer term absences, the patient temporarily may be seen by another team."

Nelson noted, "The pediatric clinic staff is excited about this opportunity to team up with patients to ensure they receive timely, quality care. They have several exciting events planned to educate our patient population about their respective teams and to better acclimate everyone to the new patientcentered home initiative."