Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

New Faces on Health Care Teams

A new member of the health care team is helping to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience at a low cost. Care guides were introduced on care teams at clinics operated by Allina Health, a not-for-profit health care system with 12 hospitals and more than 90 clinics serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. To fill this new role, a layperson receives two weeks of full-time training on evidence-based guidelines for disease management, motivational coaching, cultural and diversity issues, and scope of practice—i.e., what they can and cannot do. Charged with helping patients and providers achieve care goals, the care guide provides a “consistent point of contact” for patients with chronic disease, helping them find affordable medications, follow post-visit instructions and prepare for their next appointment. The care guide model was piloted and then tested in a randomized control trial. Results showed that patients working with care guides were 31% more likely to meet evidence-based care goals, and patients reported greater ability to manage their care. Care guides cost less than a clinically licensed professional, and 94% of providers and nurses thought they were an effective use of resources. Allina Health’s Care COPILOT™ program is designed to offer resources and expertise to support other hospitals and clinic systems across the country seeking to improve care for patients with chronic disease.

For more information, contact Haley Barton, Care COPILOT business development lead, at haley.barton@allina.com.

HPOE.org features guides, webinars and case studies from AHA resources and other groups.