What is a PIM?
A PIM is Web-based self-evaluation tool that walks users through a Quality Improvement Cycle for a specific condition, procedure or preventive service. Linked to educational materials, a PIM guides practice-based learning and improvement. No prior knowledge about measurement or improvement is needed. Completing a PIM requires the following four steps: 1. Collecting Patient Data: The PIM will guide a medical chart abstractor (usually office personnel) through medical chart abstraction. Only data without patient identifiers are collected. 2. Examining Practice Systems: The physician completes a questionnaire about practice systems to evaluate both human process and information technology that affect the reliability of care. 3. Identifying Goals and Redesigning Processes: The PIM summarizes the data collected in steps one and two and provides the user with a summary report of the practice in order to identify goals for improvement. The user then redesigns one or more relevant practice pro
