Developing a blueprint for effective preventive services delivery

• Objective: To describe the efforts of 3 primary care practices in the implementation of a preventive services guideline and to review the strategies for improvement used in common by the practices. • Methods: The practices implemented the Institute for Clinical Systems Integration's adult preventive services guideline. Teams were formed and steps were taken by each practice to improve their delivery rates. The common elements for successful implementation were identified; these were use of an evidence-based guideline, achieving consensus, teamwork, leadership support and involvement, resource commitment, a systematic approach, the use of measurement, and rapid-cycle improvement methodology. • Results: Improvement in delivery rates was achieved in a number of areas. • Conclusion: The common themes identified provide a blueprint for primary care practices to implement large quality improvement projects and translate research into practice.