P09 - Adopting the 4Ms at a Geriatric Clinic

The Center for Healthy Aging applied to age-friendly health system (AFHS) in 2019 with the intention of advancing the level of geriatric care in our clinic through the adoption of 4Ms of AFHS. Prior to applying to participate in AFHS, we assumed that our geriatric care was complete. The clinic was providing three of the 4Ms: mentation with the PHQ9 and dementia assessments, mobility assessments with the get-up-and-go test, and medication review with every appointment. The last M was the what matters most (WMM) question. The 4Ms framework was developed using evidence-based intervention with 2 important drivers, assessment and action.

In order to become recognized by AFHS, the clinic began a quality improvement process over several months. Initially, we surveyed our team to determine which what matters most question (WMM) we would ask our patients. The Allscripts team provides a monthly report of the number of patients asked what matters most including the actual answers and patient demographics. Regular communications and progress reports were submitted to AFHS for review. Most patients were pleased and surprised when asked what matter most to them. The answers became a permanent part of their chart. The clinic achieved recognition after 3 months of PDSA. 

Learning Outcome: After completing this learning activity, the participant will be able to assess innovations being used by other professionals in the specialty and evaluate the potential of implementing the improvements into practice.