What Is Performance Improvement CME?

Performance Improvement (PI) CME is a unique category of CME which allows physicians to earn credit for longitudinal learning activities which incorporate evidence-based performance measures, retrospective practice assessment, structured learning, quality improvement, and self-education. PI CME is a three-step process which begins with an assessment of a physician’s current practice using identified evidence-based performance measures. A clinical performance measure is a mechanism that enables the user to quantify the quality of a selected aspect of care by comparing it to a criterion (Institute of Medicine, 2000). The participating physician receives feedback comparing their performance to their peers. The second stage of PI CME involves the implementation of an intervention based on the performance measures assessed in the practice. The third stage involves re-evaluation of performance in practice, including reflection and summarization of outcome changes resulting from the PI CME activity. Physicians completing all three stages may claim a total of 20 credits in this nationally standardized format.

How Does PI CME Work?

Stage A: Learning from current practice performance assessment

The participant will assess his/her current practice, using identified evidence-based performance measures provided through a patient chart review. The participant should be actively involved in the data collection. The Continuing Education office will collect the completed patient chart review form and will compile data and provide feedback to the participant.

Stage B: Learning from the application of Performance Improvement to patient care

The participant will identify practice gaps as a result of the feedback received from his/her patient chart review and participate in an educational intervention (examples: conference, monograph, literature review). The participant will develop and implement an individual action plan and submit a copy to the Continuing Education office.

Stage C: Learning from the evaluation of the Performance Improvement effort

Approximately three to six months following the completion of Stage B, the participant will re-evaluate his/her performance in practice by completing a patient chart audit and submitting it to the Continuing Education office. The participant will be provided with feedback and an evaluation/self-reflection form to summarize any practice, process, and/or outcome changes that resulted from conducting the PI activity.

How Can I Get Started?

Upon receipt of completed registration form, the CE office will provide the participant with the following materials:

Stage A

1. List of physician participant’s patients seen in the last 18 months with an applicable heart failure diagnosis  

2. Chart audit tool with instructions to audit 10 applicable patient charts  

3. Preprinted label to return completed chart audit tool

Stage B

Upon completion of Stage A, the CE office will provide the participant with the following:

1. Feedback comparing individual performance to peer performance  

2. A web link to view an archived Medicine Grand Rounds session entitled "Performance Measures for the Outpatient Management of Chronic Heart Failure"

Stage C

Approximately three to six months following the completion of Stage B, the CE office will provide the participant with the following materials:

1. List of physician participant’s patients seen in the last 18 months with an applicable heart failure diagnosis  

2. Chart audit tool with instructions to perform second audit on 10 patient charts  

3. Preprinted label to return second completed chart audit tool