A ccording to leading health care experts, the US health care system needs to address the triple aim of improving the patient experience of care, the health of populations, and reducing unnecessary costs.1 Several value-based payment models are underway, including the development of Next Generation Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), alternative payment models and merit-based incentive programs (MIPS) under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).
2,3These programs specifically include quality, cost, and patient experience and are directly impacted by primary care. These models currently target practicing clinicians; however, it is necessary to train future primary care physicians so that they are prepared to meet triple aim goals in their future practices. In response to this, faculty development initiatives are examining the transformation of primary care residency training and the clinical practice setting.
4,5With the changing landscape of primary care delivery, knowledge, and skills in assessing and impacting population health management, improving processes of care in practice settings and managing change are critical for physicians. The necessary process of measuring and improving quality in academic medical center environments, however, can prove challenging given academia's tripartite mission of research, teaching, and patient care. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The I3 POP Collaborative sought to improve health of patients attending North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia primary care teaching practices using the triple aim framework of better quality, appropriate utilization, and enhanced patient experience. We examined change in triple aim measures over 3 years, and identified correlates of improvement.