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Information for integration. A senior services program spurs development of a multi-hospital integrated network
D Sampsel1, S McNichols, R D Kordash
1Catholic Health Association, St. Louis.
Health Progress (Saint Louis, Mo.)
|August 6, 1994
Summary
Two hospitals created a Senior Advantage Program, utilizing custom software for participant data and service tracking. This initiative evolved into an integrated delivery network, expanding healthcare access for seniors and rural patients.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Health Informatics
- Geriatric Care
Background:
- St. Charles Hospital and Mercy Hospital collaborated to offer senior services.
- A membership program, the Senior Advantage Program, was developed to market these services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and impact of the Senior Advantage Program.
- To illustrate how technology facilitated a continuum of care for seniors.
Main Methods:
- Developed a personal computer-based software for participant data capture and service utilization tracking.
- Created a central database program for the hospitals' main computer systems.
- Integrated the program into a larger healthcare network.
Main Results:
- The Senior Advantage Program successfully captured and updated participant information.
- The program facilitated the tracking of enrollees' service utilization.
- The program served as a foundation for forming an integrated delivery network (First InterHealth Network).
Conclusions:
- The Senior Advantage Program effectively marketed services and improved data management for senior care.
- The program's success led to its expansion within a larger healthcare network, enhancing care coordination.
- This model demonstrated the value of technology in supporting collaborative healthcare initiatives and patient retention.