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Davis Award-winning project team (L-R): Pam Graf, MA; Lincoln Likness, DO; Rebecca Schultz, FNP; Brian Wallace, MD

Milwaukee Residents Win Quality Award for Breast Cancer Screening Project

Contributors: Lincoln Likness, DO, Maggie Dugan, RN, MS, Pam Graf, MA, Rebecca Schultz, FNP

An initiative to increase breast cancer screening rates at Milwaukee’s Aurora UW Medical Group Family Practice Center (AUWMG FPC) won the second 2007 James E. Davis Award for Quality Improvement. Jim Davis, MD, MS, presented the award at the AUWMG FPC on January 30, 2008.

The winning project, entitled “Improving Breast Cancer Screening Rates,” aims to increase the clinic’s rate of screening mammograms from 56.25 percent to at least 70 percent among women over 40. This increase would meet the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) requirements for quality care.

The project team, led by third-year resident Lincoln Likness, DO, implemented numerous system-based solutions to improve screening rates at the clinic, including:

  • Electronic medical record reminders;
  • Enhanced clinic communication;
  • Improved patient education and appointment scheduling; and
  • Clinical guideline updates.

The team received a plaque and a $500 cash award, which was used to purchase inspirational artwork for clinic exam rooms.

The James E. Davis Award for Quality Improvement was established in 2001 to recognize outstanding quality projects in the department. Awards are made in two categories: resident-led projects and other department group projects.