1. Barriers and Facilitators to Managing Social Care in the Digital Era Among Michigan Health Centers.
- Author
-
PROVENZANO, ANTHONY M., SYED, FAIYAZ, PLATT, JODYN E., PIATT, GRETCHEN A., ACKERMAN, MARK S., BUYUKTUR, AYSE, and KLINKMAN, MICHAEL S.
- Subjects
DIGITAL technology ,MENTAL health services ,INFORMATION technology ,SOCIOTECHNICAL systems ,INFORMATION superhighway - Abstract
Objectives: Health care organizations are taking a greater role in providing social care. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) lead these efforts, leveraging investments in technology to manage patient care and information. This study describes the challenges of meeting patient social needs and presents new opportunities for engaging in communitywide activities to address care and quality. Study Design: Sociotechnical systems theory was applied in qualitative research. Methods: Eleven of the 40 Michigan FQHCs were recruited into the study. Twenty-five semistructured interviews were conducted with practice leadership, clinicians, and staff to explore information technology and other resources used for managing social care. Analyses of the interviews were used to organize infrastructural and technological factors that emerged into key themes. Results: Interviews revealed that Michigan FQHCs participated in community-wide activities to develop value-based care practices and quality initiatives using shared data and technology. Study participants revealed that their community-level involvement facilitated improved data management, digital information sharing, and quality improvement efforts. Ultimately, however, limited housing services and inadequate behavioral health care created challenges in connecting patients with essential treatments and social supports. Conclusions: Developing information infrastructure and new technological capabilities to manage patient care and population health is necessary but insufficient. Major investments in both technology and human capital are critical to effectively provide social care and improve quality. Building on the evidence gained from FQHC partnerships and data activities offers public officials and health care leaders insight into the local resources and policy changes that are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF