Implementing the 4M's in Rural Public Health

ABSTRACT Background Local public health departments (LHD) geographic distribution and scope of practice result in them as a primary source of care for rural older adults. The 4M's framework (What Matters, Medications, Mentation, Mobility) was developed to assess their needs. Public health is a good fit for implementing the 4M's framework. Purpose Phase 1) develop and implement a quality improvement project; Phase 2) adapt the project as needed and measure implementation outcomes (percentage of older adults assessed using the 4Ms; continued agency funding after project end) Methods The project utilized the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) process to design and measure change. Seven PDSA cycles were conducted over a seven‐month period at LHD clinics. Findings 285 participants accessed a clinic with 80 participants completing the 4M's assessment tool for a 28% completi