Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Care Model?
The Care Model is a population-based model that relies on knowing which patients have the illness, assuring that they receive evidenced-based care, and actively aiding them to participate in their own care. It is comprised of the following six components: Health Care Organization, Community Resources and Policies, Self-Management Support, Decision Support, Delivery System Design and Clinical Information Systems. 

What is a PDSA?
A PDSA is a small-scale, rapid-cycle test of change. It is used to determine if a change idea is one that will be benefical before implementation on a wider scale. The PDSA is a process intended to improve the quality of care at an accelerated pace, and is based upon three fundamental questions: 1) What are we trying to accomplish? 2) How will we know that a change is an improvement? 3) What changes can we make that will result in an improvement? 

What's the difference between Phase 1 & Phase 2?
Phase 1 is defined as the first year of participation in the Health Disparities Collaborative.  During this period, teams are expected to successfully implement the Care Model within their initial Population of Focus.  After the first year of a collaborative is complete, teams begin Phase 2.  This involves sustaining the improvements made during the first year and spreading those improvements throughout the entire organization. Phase 2 also involves spread of the improved system of care to other clinic areas, providers, chronic illnesses, and/or sites.