Publication is Part of Multi-Faceted Initiative to Improve Care for Diverse
Populations
WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Health Insurance Plans
(AHIP) has published a new comprehensive on-line compendium of tools called
"Communications Resources to Close the Gap." It is available free of charge
to organizations that are engaged in efforts to improve care for our
nation's culturally and racially diverse populations.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040830/AHIPLOGO )
According to a landmark study by the Rand Corporation, care for the
U.S. population as a whole is consistent with the latest science only about
half the time. But dozens of studies across decades have demonstrated that
quality of care for minority populations is lower.
Addressing these disparities in care is a priority for many
organizations within our health care system, including AHIP and its member
health insurance plans.
"Our members are taking on the challenge of health care disparities,"
said AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni. "AHIP intends to serve as a hub
for exchanging information on what is working to overcome gaps in care
experienced by minorities in our health care system," she said.
Reducing health care disparities requires systematic change that is
targeted to the needs of individuals. AHIP's multi-faceted program provides
technical support for health insurance plans and other health care
organizations that are engaged in making these systematic changes.
The new publication -- "Communications Resources to Close the Gap" --
highlights tools, websites, and ways to incorporate culturally and
linguistically appropriate messages into everyday communications with
consumers. It is based on the premise that one promising solution to
reducing disparities and improving health care quality is the use of clear
and proven approaches to health communications. The new publication was
developed with guidance from experts within the health insurance community
and authorities from the broader health care system.
The new publication builds on AHIP's existing work on disparities in care:
* AHIP has conducted seminars around the country for health care
organizations interested in taking the first steps to using data as the
foundation for quality improvement and has published a tool kit called
"Data as Building Blocks for Change."
* AHIP has contracted with Manhattan Cross Cultural Group and Critical
Measures, LLC to develop "Quality Interactions: a Patient-Based Approach
to Cross-Cultural Care," a one-hour, continuing medical education course
that provides physicians with the tools and skills to communicate more
effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds.
* AHIP is building "Models that Work," an on-line clearinghouse of
information on approaches to reducing disparities that have proved
successful. The health insurance community has a tradition of sharing
information on effective models so that these programs, or elements of
them, can be adapted for more widespread use and to benefit more
individuals.
Funding for this program is provided by Pfizer Inc.
America's Health Insurance Plans -
Providing Health Benefits to More Than 200 Million Americans
SOURCE America's Health Insurance Plans
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Related links:
http://www.ahip.org/
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CONTACT:
Susan M. Pisano of America's Health Insurance
Plans, +1-202-778-3245
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