Raising the bar

Qualis Health is a quality improvement organization of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program, which is made up of 44 QIOs nationwide. Pyramid was retained by Qualis to develop a comprehensive strategic communications plan and a new brand for the QIO Program. The goal of this project was to develop improved recognition and understanding of the program among all audiences, especially healthcare providers, healthcare-related stakeholder organizations and policymakers, through a strong brand identity supported by strategic communications activities and clear, consistent messages.

To inform its work, Pyramid conducted interviews with 45 CMS staff, 14 QIOs and 34 providers. The findings were incorporated into the strategic communications plan, which included an audience-specific message platform and strategies for partnership development, earned media, collateral materials, events, etc. Following completion of the communications plan, Pyramid initiated a brand development process for the QIO Program brand that resulted in a new name, tagline and graphic identity uniting the 44 QIOs as part of one national quality improvement effort.

In addition, Pyramid has provided media services for Qualis Health as well as designed and produced an annual report for the organization.