We work with nursing homes to build capacity for sustained quality improvement through data collection and analysis, optimization of health information technology, and understanding of how to apply QI resources and tools.

Many Medicare beneficiaries have conditions such as depression, and substance use disorders. The Midwest QIN-QIO collaborates with nursing homes to share evidence-based practices and resources to screen for depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders and ensure patients are connected to services for effective intervention and treatment.

We promote effective prevention of COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal disease through collaboration with nursing homes to implement evidence-based immunization strategies and best practices that are critical to a successful vaccination program.

Adverse drug events and infections are the most common patient safety events in nursing homes. The Midwest QIN-QIO supports nursing homes in prevention of adverse drug events as well as harmful infections – including  Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), COVID-19, sepsis, urinary tract infection (UTI) and pneumonia – by providing education and technical assistance to improve infection control and antibiotic prescribing practices.

Poor coordination of care when patients move across the care continuum places patients at risk for adverse outcomes, including adverse drug events, preventable emergency room visits, and readmissions. The Midwest QIN-QIO collaborates with nursing homes to improve communication and planning when patients transfer across care settings.

There is an essential need for coordination with public health authorities and immediate activation of resources to address healthcare threats including natural disasters, infection outbreaks, and breaches of security and technology outages. The Midwest QIN-QIO partners with nursing homes to conduct self-assessments for preparedness to manage emergencies, build system level capacity for rapid response, and assist with operationalizing emergency plans.