Introducing a clinical improvement process in a multispecialty group practice setting.

Abstract

In response to initial concerns about utilization of services by procedural specialists, the Sunnyvale Clinic encouraged a team of physicians and support staff to overcome differences and create a clinical guideline for sinusitis treatment. Using CQI tools, the team implemented process improvements intended to reduce variation and cost of care. The success of this pilot project, albeit slow in coming, led to further clinical guideline development and a complete restructuring of the quality management programs.