Achieving Cardiovascular Equity: Quality Improvement Project in Ohio

Wendy Groznik
614.685.0750
Wendy.Groznik@osumc.edu

The Achieving Cardiovascular Equity (ACE+) Quality Improvement Project is a 12 month primary care quality improvement collaborative in Ohio designed to enhance cardiovascular health by improving hypertension control, addressing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, and connecting patients with resources to address health-related social needs.

ACE+ uses a modified version of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement model. Participants can expect to:

• Implement an innovative clinical change package and patient resources into a primary care workflow
• Develop processes to improve hypertension control among the patient population and reduce disparities for non-Hispanic Black patients and/or patients who live in Appalachian communities
• Identify health-related social needs and connect patients with community resources

Participants are asked to:

• Assemble a core group to attend monthly calls
• Run Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles related to improving cardiovascular health
• Build an EHR data query and upload monthly data reports
• Participate in site specific calls with a coach

Primary care practices in Ohio that are currently using an electronic health record (EHR) and caring for adults in counties with high prevalence of hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or heart disease are encouraged to apply.

Preference is given to sites in:

• Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Lucas counties that have a significant Black/African American population
• Rural and/or Appalachian areas

Participating practices will receive a $3,000 stipend.

Other benefits include:

• Real time site specific and aggregate data
• Quality improvement coaching
• Access to additional resources
• Potential for CME credit

Contact Wendy Groznik (614.685.0750/Wendy.Groznik@osumc.edu) to begin the application process.