Minnesota 2005 report reveals improvements
Minnesota 2005 report reveals improvements
The quality of patient care is improving, according to a study released late last year by MN Community Measurement in its 2005 Health Care Quality Report. The report examined the quality of patient care at provider groups throughout Minnesota.
The results showed the number of people with diabetes who are optimally managed (reaching all five heart- and artery-related risk treatment goals) increased by 33% from 12% in 2004 to 16% in 2005. Researchers said that improvement means hundreds of fewer heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, and other complications for Minnesotans with diabetes.
Other improvements
Other quality improvements detailed by the report included:
- Asthma medication management improved from 71% in 2003 to 74% in 2004 and 76% in 2005;
- Childhood immunization status improved from 63% in 2003 to 64% in 2004 and 68% in 2005;
- Adolescent immunization status improved from 27% in 2003 to 35% in 2004 and 39% in 2005;
- Well-child visits from birth to 15 months improved from 45% to 53% and 59%;
- High blood pressure treatment went from 57% to 60% and then 64%;
- Chlamydia infection screening increased from 26% to 29% and 32%.
Data review
Officials said findings for the 2005 Health Care Quality Report were gathered over the past year through an extensive review of data from 54 provider groups representing more than 700 clinics throughout Minnesota and bordering counties. The clinics are where more than 90% of Minnesotans receive their care. The report focused on determining how well patients who receive care in the provider groups met health screening or treatment guidelines recommended by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement.
"Care is steadily improving for many conditions and that's what this effort is all about," said MN Community Measurement executive director Jim Chase. "The 2005 Health Care Quality Report contains direct comparisons of provider group performance. It's designed to give feedback, set benchmarks, and help prompt systematic changes to improve patient care in Minnesota. It shows provider groups where they are now and where systemwide changes are needed to improve patient care in the future."
The quality of patient care is improving, according to a study released late last year by MN Community Measurement in its 2005 Health Care Quality Report.Subscribe Now for Access
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