Network Technical Assistance (TA)

In the fall of 2014, Rural Health Innovations (RHI) received a contract to provide technical assistance (TA) to over 100 network grantees in the Rural Health Network Development (Development), Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant (Planning), and Rural Health Information Technology Workforce (HIT Workforce) rural health network programs with Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP). Starting in October 2016, RHI provide technical assistance to network grantees of the Development program as well as the Rural Network Allied Health Training (Allied Health) program.

The grantees served under this contract focused on improving health care infrastructure in their communities through the development of integrated networks. The emphasis was on improving health service delivery, collaboration, expanding access to, and improving the quality of services in rural communities.

RHI provided technical assistance services to rural health networks across the country through education, training, and guidance; including webinars, on-site visits, reverse site visits, direct questions, consultations, resources, and tools. RHI created directories and sourcebooks and guided grantees in self-assessment, evaluation, and strategic planning.

Our technical assistance was based on a performance framework to guide our work in strengthening networks and building the capacity of network leaders. The Network Aim for Sustainability Portal is a compilation of tools, resources, and educational materials based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework.

Along with its parent company, the National Rural Health Resource Center, RHI has experience in providing technical assistance to rural health networks and communities through many federal and state programs such as the Rural Health Information Technology Network Development (RHITND) Program.