Med group's 'Super Teams' to improve access to patient care

Published Nov. 15, 2013
By Jenny Gordon
Robins Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 78th Medical Group is the test base for the Air Force in finding a way to provide better patient care.

Using Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield's 'People, Process and Resources' framework, the 78 MDG this month has taken the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and modified it from a previous five-team concept to three 'Super Teams' in its Family Health clinic.

If it's successful, the Super Team model will be considered for Air Force-wide implementation.

"It took a lot of organization to try this out and to see if it works for the Air Force. We're confident this will improve efficiencies here," said Lt. Col. Christopher Paige, 78th Medical Operations Squadron commander.

The three teams, affectionately called Super Team Braves, Hawks and Falcons, consist of a medical provider, two nurses, and patient technicians and administrative support personnel.

With more health providers to choose from among each team, the idea is to increase the likelihood that patients will be seen by the same provider team, versus being referred off base.

Along with the team size, another change included the decentralization of appointments made in Family Health. When a patient now calls, instead of being patched into a main appointment line, they are scheduled through one of three "team" appointment clerks who can book more appropriately to their needs.

"By completely decentralizing appointments, we can shorten the gap and set up communication between not only nursing, but providers, technicians and admin staff," said Capt. Deana Porter, Family Health flight commander.

This also allows providers, whether they're a doctor, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, the opportunity to build flexibility in their schedules by using their own staff to make appointments.

A third change was the addition of team administrative technicians, whose role it is to provide more office management, thereby reducing the burden on nurses and technicians who can continue providing direct patient care.

A kick-off celebration was held Nov. 5 at the base clinic, which was attended by senior leaders, as well as Litchfield, Air Force Sustainment Center commander.