The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69381

Phillip W. Beatty, MA¹, Thilo Kroll, PhD¹, and Pei-Shu Ho, PhD². (1) National Rehabilitation Hospital Center for Health and Disability Research, 1016 16th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036, 202/466-1914, phillip.beatty@medstar.net, (2) National Rehabilitation Hospital-Center for Health & Disability Research, Medstar Research Institute, 1016 16th Street, NW - Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036

Objective: To determine the extent to which the MnDHO program enhances the quality of health care for enrollees with disabilities, as well as their levels of health care satisfaction and self-direction.

Methods: We have employed a mixed-methods approach, by fielding a longitudinal survey of MnDHO enrollees, as well as a series of focus groups. In order to determine the extent to which the program enhances individuals' health care experiences, enrollees participate in a CAHPS®-based survey upon enrollment into the program, and one year following enrollment. Difference scores are then computed for each item over time, to find differences in experiences that may be attributable to the MnDHO program. To complement the survey findings with more in-depth responses, we conducted two focus groups with MnDHO enrollees, and 2 focus groups with a comparable group of MnDHO-eligible individuals who are not enrolled in the program.

Results: Preliminary survey findings and focus group results suggest that the MnDHO program is achieving its goals of increasing health care satisfaction, promoting self-direction and autonomy, and increasing health care quality for working-age individuals with physical disabilities.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that the AXIS Healthcare component of MnDHO is meeting a substantial need for knowledgeable and appropriate health care coordination for people with disabilities. This preliminary data supports the premise that specially designed managed care programs can significantly improve both the quality and experience of health care services for enrollees with disabilities.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Describe the efficacy of a managed care program for adults with physical disabilities.
• Understand the importance of quality health care for adults with disabilities.
• Discuss the application of a mixed-methods approach to evaluating health care programs.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

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