Performance improvement in managed long-term care: physician communication in managing community-dwelling older adults.

This performance improvement initiative focused on the nurse consultant's communication with the physician about care management of community-dwelling older adults. Three defined areas were measured: (1) changes in clinical setting, (2) reporting adverse effects from medications that can contribute to falls, and (3) HbA1c results >9. Physicians were informed of our quality initiative; nurse practitioners led workshops addressing barriers to effective communication; and portable reference cards were created to assist staff in organizing information prior to contacting a physician. The Project Goal of 10% improvement for all three indicators was achieved. Staff identified best practices for communicating with physicians.