Project Summary:
Wisconsin faces severe healthcare disparities among minority, rural, and Medicaid populations, resulting in worse health outcomes, lower quality of life, early death, and higher healthcare costs. Addressing these issues requires a long-term approach of continuous learning and adaptation. This project will improve health outcomes by providing evidence-based recommendations to healthcare systems, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
The project will leverage WCHQ as a unifying force among member health systems. WCHQ will engage members to identify the effective, evidence-based strategies currently being implemented to improve health equity. Through analysis of WCHQ healthcare data, such as screening rates for depression and diabetes management, the project will reveal which initiatives and system attributes best reduce gaps in care for underserved communities.
An educational event will be organized to disseminate these approaches, where participants will leave with a plan to implement a rapid change cycle within their organization. To ensure successful adoption of strategies, WCHQ will provide follow-up support, including collaborative work groups and individual technical assistance for six months post-event. Ultimately, the impact of this project is to reduce gaps in care across the state of Wisconsin, specifically in rural communities, communities experiencing poverty, and communities of color.
The project will empower health systems to implement effective interventions, significantly reducing healthcare disparities for marginalized populations in Wisconsin and contributing to improved health outcomes across the state.