Client:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Health and Aging
Project Name:
Healthy Aging Initiative: Assessment/Focus Group
Market:
Federal Government
Project Description:
The mission of the Healthy Aging Staff is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care and to improve the health/mental health status of underserved and vulnerable populations age 50 and over. HHS/HRSA/BPHC has made improving health care for aging Americans a priority and to foster that goal created a Healthy Aging Staff. The new group was in need of technical assistance to assess program services among grantees and to begin outreach activities to its user population and health and social services providers. HRSA/BPHC required an expedited assessment on the issues, concerns, and practices of its grantees, in order to gauge the impact of current health policies on the 50+ population and thereby to develop policies and initiatives to improve care.
Developed research methodologies including literature search, and mail survey instruments/questionnaires of issues, identification of organizational and programmatic issues, needs, successes and unmet needs. Tested survey instruments. Developed focus group guide comprised of questions, activities and documentation methodology to be used during focus grow sessions.Conducted Statistical analyses of survey and focus group results. Planned, organized, and conducted focus groups comprising community and migrant health center directors, and primary care associations from throughout the Nation. Conducted an assessment that was based on literature review, interview/focus groups involving community and migrant health center directors and a primary care association. The findings addressed such major policy concerns as polypharmacy, cultural competency, men’s health, cost reimbursement (Medicaid, Medicare and managed care), abuse/confusion regarding medications, case management and specific illnesses, such as colon cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes, resulting in An Assessment of the Aging Population Within the Community Health Centers: Summary of Findings. "You (North American Management) made a record contribution toward helping defined the Healthy Aging Program." Marion Primas, Project Officer.
For more information:
Division Director, Health & Family Services