Top Three Flex Activities in 2009

1. Performance improvement and quality improvement
2. Supporting hospitals
3. Networking

Flex Program Success Story

The Michigan Critical Access Quality Network (MICAH QN) was formed in 2001 with 14 CAHs. The Network formalized in 2003 and received 501(c)3 status in 2007. Today, 35 CAH's and 1 rural hospital actively participate in the Network. All projects and decisions are driven by the Network via consensus.

All hospitals use MHA Core Options™ for data collection and benchmarking. In addition to the MICAH QN comparative data, individual hospitals have the capability to create their own custom measures. Common areas of local measurement among MICAH QN measures are review to determine the feasibility of general relevance to all hospitals.

The Network meets in-person and via video conference, quarterly. Members readily share best practices, and hold education sessions at meetings.

The MICAH QN effort provides a means to include small and low volume hospitals in an effective way to report performance and identify areas for improvement. At the same time, MICAH QN is developing measures that reflect the more important roles such hospitals play, for example, aspects of care related to stabilization and transfer of patients.

Most Significant Achievement

Michigan Critical Access Hospital Quality Network

Flex Program Details

Location: Michigan State University
Number of CAHs: 35
Web site: http://www.mcrh.msu.edu/

State Rural Health Plan
Rural Assistance Center State Resources