Implementation Strategy for
Columbus Community Hospital
Implementation Strategy Requirements
Although Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) collaborated with other organizations when conducting its Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and developing implementation strategies, CCH must meet the requirement to adopt an implementation strategy with respect to its own hospital facility. To constitute an “implementation strategy”, CCH must adopt a written plan with respect to the hospital facility it operates that addresses each of the community health needs identified through the CHNA by either (1) describing how CCH plans to meet the identified health need or (2) describing the health need as one CCH does not intend to meet, along with an explanation as to why it does not intend to meet such need. In accordance with this directive, this document is intended to constitute the implementation strategy of CCH.
CHNA Identified Healthcare Needs
The following “health priorities” were identified as recommended areas of intervention under the CHNA conducted in collaboration with the East Central District Health Department (contracting with Schmeeckle Research, Inc.), covering the counties of Platte (where CCH is located), Boone, Colfax and Nance:
- Access to Healthcare
- Obesity
- Family Support
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Health
CCH will work hand-in-hand with the East Central District Health Department and other health and business related agencies to address these needs of our communities. Specifically, CCH will take the lead in addressing the identified needs of access to healthcare and obesity by conducting the activities described below. It will support the identified needs of family support, substance abuse and mental health as requested by other participants of the CHNA that have agreed to take the lead on these areas in that they already have programs in place and expertise in these areas. The allocation of duties in addressing these identified healthcare needs promotes program effectiveness, and supports the efficient allocation of limited healthcare dollars.
Implementation Strategy
Access to Healthcare – Improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services. CCH will take the lead exploring and/or implementing the following:
- Objective: Reduce the death rate from cancer of the uterine/cervix.
- Action Step: Explore ways to provide a free PAP smear screening event at CCH. Collaborate with the University of Nebraska Medical Center on cancer management.
- Objective: Reduce the female breast cancer death rate.
- Action Step: Research funding options to increase the number of uninsured/underinsured women’s access to mammography. An application was submitted on December 13, 2012 for a Susan G. Komen Grant of $9,000.
- Objective: To reduce one of the barriers to care, look at the feasibility of creating volunteer transportation program for patients.
- Action Step: Explore programs operated by volunteers.
- Objective: Explore other disease health screening opportunities to increase access to healthcare and develop a plan to address early screening.
- Action Step: CCH will take the lead for Tune Up for Life Health Fair and explore options for more screenings.
- Objective: Facilitate communication opportunities between providers and patients to increase access to care.
- Action Step: Provide and support Nurse Triage Line to area local providers for a small fee.
- Objective: Implement a home monitoring program for patients receiving home health services.
- Action Step: Ensure home health tele-monitoring systems are being utilized by patients.
- Objective: Provide community screening and an information day regarding diabetes.
- Action Step: CCH will be the lead for Diabetes Awareness Day scheduled yearly in October.
- Objective: Explore forming a geriatric assessment team to complete patient testing and evaluation for best setting for patients.
- Action Step: Collaboration with Pender Hospital and Columbus Family Practice.
Family Support – To improve the stability, health and well-being of women, infants, children and families through the effective use of community resources. The Child Well-being Work Group will take the lead in exploring and/or implementing the objectives and actions steps.
Obesity – Promote healthy weight and reduce chronic disease risk. Columbus Community Hospital’s dedication to helping create a healthier community is seen in the Hospital’s commitment to building a new Health and Wellness Center. The Center will not only provide increased access to exercise and fitness opportunities, but to registered dietitians as well who, through classes and individual consultation, can address lifestyle changes that can help decrease health issues associated with obesity and chronic diseases.
CCH will also take the lead exploring and/or implementing the following:
- Objective: Reduce the number of adults who are considered obese.
- Action Step: Include the Chamber of Commerce and meet with local HR people monthly to develop a worksite wellness plan that is user friendly and can be packaged and ready for business use.
- Objective: Grow the Platte County CHIP Obesity Prevention Coalition and gather resources for public distribution.
- Action Steps: Have coalition members invite other community agencies and individuals to join. Gather list of resources available for physical activity and nutrition and distribute to area businesses. Regularly publish articles in newspaper and on website
Substance Abuse – Reduce substance abuse to protect the health, safety and quality of life for all, especially children in grades 6-12. The East Central District Health Department, Columbus Police Department and Platte County Sheriff’s Department will take the lead in exploring and/or implementing the objectives and actions steps. CCH will provide advice and support as requested.
Mental Health – Improve mental health through prevention and by ensuring access to appropriate, quality, mental health services. The Platte County Mental Health CHIP Group will take the lead in exploring and/or implementing the objectives and actions steps. CCH will provide advice and support as requested.
By resolution of the CCH Board of Directors at a meeting held on the 12th day of November, 2012, this Implementation Strategy was approved by the Board members, and directed to be posted on CCH’s website and attached to its Form 990.