AMA defines team-based health care model, offers implementation guidance

The American Medical Association has adopted a policy to clearly define physician-led, team-based health care, according to a press release.

The policy defines physician-led, team-based health care as “the consistent use by a physician of the leadership knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to identify, engage and elicit from each team member the unique set of training, experience and qualifications needed to help patients reach their goals, and to supervise the application of these skills.” The definition was accompanied by a list of factors to take into consideration when undertaking team-based care models.

Both of these resources are part of a report compiled by the AMA’s Council on Medical Services, which is linked with the AMA’s Enhancing Sustainability and Satisfaction strategy. This initiative encourages the adoption of new care models to improve quality of care while decreasing costs.

The accompanying list of factors for physicians to consider while embarking on team-based models addresses clinical roles and responsibilities, practice management strategies and other coordinated efforts to meet practice needs.

Ardis D. Hoven

According to AMA Board of Trustees member Ardis D. Hoven, MD, who served as president of the AMA from June 2013 to June 2014, the policy will help clarify and guide the implementation of coordinated health care models.

“Teamwork in a health care setting between physicians and non-physician practitioners is important as the medical community works to better coordinate care to ensure patients get the best possible care,” Hoven said in the release. “The policy … will help physicians transition to new care models by promoting flexibility to develop practice designs based on physician needs, the populations they serve, relevant state laws, and protection from the burdens that would come from a one-size-fits-all approach."