Joanne Pohl, Ph.D., RN

PATIENT SAFETY IN AMBULATORY CARE

Joanne Pohl, Ph.D., RN
Patient Safety in Ambulatory grant recipient

The University of Michigan, School of Nursing

Improving the Effectiveness of Communication through Increasing Knowledge of Health Literacy among Primary Care Providers and their Staff

In 1999, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued its report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Nationwide, this report estimated that between 44,000 and 98,000 people die each year as a result of avoidable errors that occur in hospitals. These errors can include problems in practice, products, procedures and systems. The IOM emphasized that "safety does not reside in a person, device or department, but emerges from the interactions of components of a system." In response to the IOM report, the Quality Interagency Coordination Task Force published an action plan for federal effort, including a research agenda that focuses on developing evidence-based approaches to improving patient safety. The BCBSM Foundation developed five previous initiatives that funded multiple projects to improve patient safety in Acute Care Hospitals.

In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number and complexity of procedures performed in ambulatory settings. In response to recent findings that more than 77% of medical procedures are now performed in ambulatory settings, this BCBSM Foundation initiative focuses on promoting safety in ambulatory care.

More information about grant programs

Grant Programs

Grant Programs



Our board of directors meets to review grant proposals in March, July and November. Typically the BCBSM Foundation needs to receive proposals at least five months prior to the targeted board meeting. Individual program requirements may vary. For more information click the individual program links below.

Note: Application forms are at the end of each program brochure. You may open the PDF and key in the required values. Once you have completed the form, print the file and mail it to us. Also, please number each page of your proposal narrative.

Grant Programs Continuously Offered

Investigator-Initiated ProgramInvestigator Initiated Program

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The Investigator Initiated Research Program provides grants for applied research that focuses on quality, cost and appropriate access to health care in Michigan. Grants are typically in the $50,000 — $75,000 per year range; however, exceptional projects will be considered for multiyear funding or funding requests in excess of $75,000.

Community Health Matching GrantsCommunity Health Matching Grants

Download Brochure (PDF)
Download Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Download Application (PDF)

The Community Health Matching Program focuses on community efforts to increase access to health care, address critical public health issues, improve the quality of care and enhance efficiency. The program's purpose is to encourage nonprofit community based organizations to develop, implement and evaluate new approaches to address community health problems.

Up to $25,000 per year for two years is available. Matching funds are required based on the size of the applicant organization's budget as well as the percent of Medicaid and uninsured patients served.

Physician-Investigator Research AwardPhysician–Investigator Research Award

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The Physician-Investigator Research Award program provides $10,000 in seed money to physicians who a propose a pilot, feasibility or small research study related to quality, cost or appropriate access to health and medical care for Michigan residents.

Investigator-Initiated ProgramProposal Development Award

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The Proposal Development Award program provides $3,500 and is designed to help community nonprofit organizations develop high-quality, effective grant proposals for innovative services to improve the health of the community.

Grant Programs Periodically Offered

Request for ProposalRFP: Patient Safety: Implementing Checklists

Download Request for Proposals (PDF)

Download Application and Terms and Conditions (PDF)

In our eighth patient safety initiative, the BCBSM Foundation is soliciting proposals to encourage hospitals to implement or expand and evaluate the use of checklists in medicine and surgery. Our intent is to encourage the use of checklists to reduce inpatient hospital errors, improve the outcomes of care and reduce costs.

Frank J. McDevitt, DO, Excellence in Research Awards for Health Services, Policy & Clinical CareFrank J. McDevitt, DO, Excellence in Research Awards for Health Services, Policy & Clinical Care

Submission Deadline: January 1st

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The Frank J. McDevitt Excellence in Research Awards for Health Services, Policy and Clinical Care recognize Michigan-based researchers and physicians who have published research in research journals that contributes to improving health and medical care in Michigan.

Excellence in Research Award for StudentsExcellence in Research Award for Students

Submission Deadline: January 1st

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The annual Excellence in Research Award for Students acknowledges doctoral candidates or medical students enrolled in Michigan universities who have published research papers that represent significant contributions to health policy or clinical care.

Student Award Program application instructions and formsStudent Award Program application instructions and forms

Submission Deadline: April 30th

Download Brochure and Application (PDF)

The annual Student Award Program provides a $3,000 stipend to doctoral and medical students enrolled in Michigan universities to fund a wide range of applied health care research including pilot programs, demonstration and evaluation projects.

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The BCBSM Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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