ABIM Introduces a New Self-Assessment QI Product for Physicians Treating Patients with COPD

(Philadelphia, PA) To assist physicians who treat patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has developed a new tool to help physicians examine and improve the care they provide patients with COPD. COPD is a life threatening lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it increasingly difficult for patients to breathe. More than nine million adult Americans were diagnosed with COPD in 2010.

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Practice Improvement Module (PIM) is a Web-based tool that guides physicians through the collection of patient data to identify gaps in COPD care and ultimately implement a quality improvement plan for their practice.

Pulmonologists, critical care medical specialists, geriatricians and general internists can use the COPD module to earn CME and meet the requirements of the ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. As part of MOC, ABIM requires board certified physicians to re-assess their medical knowledge and engage in quality improvement activities every 10 years.

"The COPD module will help physicians improve the care they deliver to Americans who suffer from this terrible disease," says Eric Holmboe, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Board of Internal Medicine. "The module provides physicians with valuable data that enables them to look at the care they provide and make improvements based on the direct feedback they receive."

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Those suffering from the disease experience shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and chronic cough.

About ABIM
For 75 years, certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has stood for the highest standard in internal medicine and its 19 subspecialties and has meant that internists have demonstrated – to their peers and to the public – that they have the clinical judgment, skills and attitudes essential for the delivery of excellent patient care. ABIM is not a membership society, but a non-profit, independent evaluation organization. Our accountability is both to the profession of medicine and to the public. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. For additional updates, follow ABIM on Facebook.