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

Abstract #69810

David Stevens, MD, Suzanne Feetham, PhD, RN, FAAN, Peggy Coleman, MS, RN, and Tricia L. Trinte', MSPH, NP. Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Primary Health Care, 4350 East West Highway, 11 th Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814

As part of the strategy towards eliminating health disparities in the United Stated, HRSA is implementing a major initiative, the Health Disparities Collaboratives. The Collaboratives address senior leadership, implement a care, improvement and learning model to change practice, an infrastructure to support and sustain improvement, and develop partnerships at the local and national level. The care model is a population-based care model by Edward Wagner, M.D. The model consists of 6 elements: patient self-management; clinical decision support; practice re-design; clinical information systems; community/health center partnerships; organizational leadership; a prepared practice team; and, an informed activated patient/family. The learning model based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's "Breakthrough Series" is a rapid approach to system change developed by Associates in Process Improvement. Over 500 health centers participate in these health disparities collaboratives with documented improvements in diabetes, depression, cardiovascular, and asthma care for over 70,000 patients. HRSA, BPHC is developing collaboratives applying the care model to cancer, prevention, and diabetes prevention.

The elimination of health disparities for all people requires changing the way health care is delivered. A fundamental change from a provider-oriented to a patient and family -oriented system of care is necessary. Such a change will focus on preventive health care needs and support the growing number of patients with chronic illnesses. We must continue working together with a common vision at the community, State and national level to broaden this model of care to address other chronic illnesses. Process and outcome data from the Collaboratives are presented.

Learning Objectives:

• · Analyze characteristics of Consolidated Health Centers and their effect on the delivery of quality health care to underserved populations in the community setting;
• · Describe effective community-based health programs and activities for prevention and disease management that affect patient and families behaviors and lifestyles;
• · Describe effective programs and activities that are improving the delivery of care in many of our nation's communities.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by HHS, HRSA, Bureau of Primary Health Care