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Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from finding health care has been the long standing mission of Greater Derry Community Health Services (CHS). But missions require money, a constant flow of it from charitable sources that are overburdened with requests for their limited funds. "Funding for community services is extremely competitive requiring a justification based on real results that measure the benefits to those we serve," says Donna Tighe, CHS' Executive Director.
Donna, a member of the NH ParTech board, is a pioneer in the effective administration and use of the ParTech Connection. "Implementing an automated approach to client eligibility screening and record keeping requires cultural change," according to Donna. CHS Health Care Managers, Laura Lee Loftus and Liz Jones, both experienced client advocates, can tell very quickly what services a new client will be eligible for. Laura Lee and Liz were accustomed to a simple, manual intake process. They kept records in folders and added hard copy notes on follow-up activity. A computer application requiring a process of recording intake results, often during the interview itself, was cumbersome.
Donna, standing here with Liz, has sold her staff on the benefits of using HelpWorks for eligibility screening. "I'm certainly not aware of the results of interviews behind closed doors and find it difficult to search through dozens of files to determine how clients were assisted, and how many received the care that would help me justify our continued funding. HelpWorks provides the client data I need to measure results through reports on successful screenings backed by complete and up-to-date client records."
HelpWorks automates the process of justifying the value of services by providing data to support an agency's success within the community.
But administration, though extremely important, is only a part of the value that automation will ultimately bring to the community. The ParTech Connection vision was created to provide the ability for inter-agency sharing of client data and eliminating the need for redundant activity. If an intake is created and recorded by one agency, that intake is good for any partnering agency. A participating service provider can access client records to instantly resolve questions regarding coverage or client history; no telephone calls, no delays.
The total savings in time resulting from partnering and sharing will ultimately create a more productive health care environment for all.
Donna adds, "My Health Care Managers are now handling an increasing number of cases using HelpWorks as they learn to use all of the program's features. They've become accustomed to the changes I've asked them to make. As time progresses they will begin to use the FACTORS case management tools to ensure that no client activity slips through a crack."
Donna is also encouraging community partners to test the ParTech Connection. She is finding her peers receptive to the idea and expects to see her partnering community grow over the next year.
Change is never easy. It requires a management vision, strong leadership, and a cooperative staff. CHS has taken the first successful step into a new culture that will certainly benefit the Greater Derry Community.