Table 2 structured care characteristics in 49 physician groups

Regular clinical meetings on CHF patients

18.8

Special hours for patients with heart disease

10.4

Agreements with cardiologist on sharing of information and organization of care

24.5

Decision support

• Info materials present for patients regarding guideline adherence

58.5

• Presence of HF protocol in practice

88.6

Delivery system design

• Next appointment made immediately after visit

91.1

• Continuity of care for CHF patients is a high priority

88.9

• Frequency and content of visit are tailored to individual patients

100.0

• Clear tasks and responsibilities practice members

31.8

• Someone who assures that tasks and responsibilities are clearly defined

34.9

• Appointment system facilitates the patient seeing multiple practice employees in a single visit

13.8 #

Self-management support

• Assessment and documentation of self-management needs and activities is part of the treatment

84.4

• Patient involvement in treatment plans

86.7

• Someone responsible for self-management in patients with HF

16.3

Clinical information systems

• Reminders build in EMR

25.0

• Reminders are periodically received

11.1

• Information related to the needs of HF patients is provided to practice members

16.7

Sum score structured care characteristics (0–17; mean, SD)

8.3 (2.7)