Recent initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the healthcare system.

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In Module Four, you examined some of the recent initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the healthcare system. As you learned in your module readings, healthcare should be:

Safe
Effective
Timely
Efficient
Equitable
Patient-centered
These six key dimensions form the basis for all quality and payment reform strategies implemented since the release of healthcare improvement plans. Existing healthcare initiatives are put in place with the aim of addressing a gap in access to quality, equity, or efficiency of care. In Milestone One, you identified a current gap; because this is a current gap, we know that existing initiatives to address this gap are not meeting the intended purpose and require improvement. In this milestone, you will analyze an existing initiative aimed at addressing the gap you identified.

Prompt
In this milestone, you will analyze an initiative related to your final project topic. Use the Centers for Disease Control’s website, National Health Initiatives, Strategies & Action Plans, located in the Readings and Resources in Module Four, to identify an existing initiative that aligns with your final project topic.

The work you do in this milestone will serve as Part II of your final project. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

Existing Initiatives
Explain an existing healthcare initiative that was put in place to address this gap in access to quality, equity, or efficiency of care.
Explain the specific goals of the existing initiative in place to address this gap in access to quality, equity, or efficiency of care.
Describe the circumstances around the development of the existing initiative. Consider when the initiative was developed and what factors were considered.
Describe the resources required to fund the existing initiative.
Explain why the existing initiative is not meeting its intended purpose and now requires improvement

Sample Solution

Analyzing an Existing Initiative in Healthcare

Final Project Topic (replace with your chosen topic): Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Communities

Existing Initiative: Telehealth for Mental Health (TMH) Programs by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Explanation of the Initiative:

The HRSA’s Telehealth for Mental Health Programs offer grants and technical assistance to support the expansion of telehealth services in underserved communities. These programs aim to increase access to mental health specialists for individuals residing in rural areas where access to in-person mental health services might be limited.

Specific Goals:

  • Increase access to mental health services in rural communities.
  • Reduce disparities in mental health care between rural and urban populations.
  • Improve the timeliness of mental health diagnoses and treatment.
  • Enhance the efficiency of mental healthcare delivery by leveraging technology.

Circumstances of Development:

The growing recognition of mental health needs in rural communities coupled with the advancements in telehealth technology led to the development of the HRSA’s TMH programs. Factors like workforce shortages of mental health professionals and the geographic barriers faced by rural residents necessitated innovative solutions to bridge the gap in access to care.

Resources Required:

  • Funding: HRSA allocates grant funding to eligible healthcare organizations in rural areas for establishing or expanding telehealth infrastructure, acquiring necessary equipment, and training staff.
  • Technology: Reliable internet connectivity, video conferencing platforms, and other relevant technologies are crucial for effective telehealth services.
  • Manpower: The initiative requires personnel with expertise in telehealth technology and mental health care delivery.

Reasons Why the Initiative Needs Improvement:

While the HRSA’s TMH programs have shown promise, there are limitations hindering their ability to fully meet their intended purpose. Here are some key reasons:

  • Limited Broadband Access:Many rural areas lack reliable high-speed internet access, which is essential for quality video conferencing and data transmission in telehealth.
  • Reimbursement Challenges:Reimbursement policies for telehealth services can be complex and vary by insurance provider, creating uncertainty and disincentives for both patients and providers.
  • Stigma and Privacy Concerns:Stigma surrounding mental health coupled with potential privacy concerns related to telehealth sessions might deter some individuals from seeking help.
  • Workforce Issues:Although telehealth can address geographic barriers, there’s still a shortage of qualified mental health professionals willing to practice via telehealth, especially in rural areas.

By acknowledging these limitations and implementing targeted improvements, the HRSA’s TMH programs can be more effective in increasing access to quality mental health services in rural communities.

 

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