Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Bi-directional Integration of Care Abstract

This project was designed to improve the total health care for patients of a community mental health center and the local Federally Qualified Healthcare Center through the development of an integrated system of care.

The target population was comprised of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness with a medical co- morbidity. Integrating the primary and behavioral health care provided a health care home for these individuals.

Patient scores reporting quality of life improvements rose from 38 percent to 82 percent (currently). Compliance rate for medical and behavioral health appointments improved from 74 percent to 81 percent. The percentage of patients seen in the primary-care setting rose from 0 to 100 percent and the percentage of patients receiving a health risk assessment rose from 60 percent to 86 percent.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)