In order to support healthcare professionals in achieving national goals of quality-driven and value-based healthcare, the U.S. gastroenterology community has developed, implemented and assessed national quality measures for the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, recent reports have revealed suboptimal rates of compliance with IBD quality measures, with leading experts calling for an expansion of established quality improvement (QI) principles and measures to address unmet treatment needs for IBD patients.
 

Reaccreditation. For some accredited providers, the word reaccreditation is an instant headache or a jolt of anxiety. For others, the word invokes a sense of dread knowing that one’s workload is about to increase. Still, there are a few providers who are ready to tackle the reaccreditation process, and those who are anxious to showcase their CME program. Regardless of where an accredited provider falls, engaging a consultant can have many potential benefits, although, ultimately, it is not a fit for all accredited providers. 

BLOCK HIV/HCV, a continuing medical education (CME)/continuing education (CE)-certified 2018 educational initiative jointly provided by Integritas Communications and the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), was designed as a multifaceted regional meeting series to address the educational gaps and needs associated with effective HCV treatment within high-risk populations. The goal of the program, as reflected in its structure, was to provide a forum for clinician and nonclinician stakeholders involved in the identification, engagement, treatment and support of persons with HCV or HIV/HCV coinfection. This novel approach was intended to facilitate stakeholders’ collaborative formulation of best regional strategies and tactics for improving access to care.

As CME providers, there is no shortage of emails, newsletters, conference handouts, articles and journals to read and keep abreast of the comings and goings of our profession. It can be overwhelming. Simply said, if you are like me, you have come to the realization that you can’t read everything. 

Healthcare reform presents many opportunities for stakeholders to devise workable solutions that address potential weaknesses in the healthcare system. To properly and effectively take advantage of these opportunities, physicians need to be fully aware of the tools, skills and resources needed to successfully lead, develop and implement quality or performance improvement initiatives within their organization or practice settings. In response to these opportunities, Cedars-Sinai and Cincinnati Children’s both developed continuing medical educational programs designed to leverage leadership and quality improvement (QI) from different vantage points and achieved similar improved outcomes.