The Implementation Planning Process The implementation planning committee – comprised of Northern Rockies Medical Center’s (NRMC) leadership team and board members – participated in an implementation planning process to systematically and thoughtfully respond to all issues and opportunities identified through the Community Health Services Development (CHSD) needs assessment process. The facility conducted the CHSD process in conjunction with the Montana Office of Rural Health (MORH). The CHSD community health needs assessment was performed in the summer of 2016 to determine the most important health needs and opportunities for Glacier County, Montana. “Needs” were identified as the top issues or opportunities rated by respondents during the CHSD survey process or during focus groups (see page 9 for a list of “Needs Identified and Prioritized”). For more information regarding the needs identified, as well as the assessment process/approach/methodology, please refer to the facility’s assessment report, which is posted on the facility’s website () The implementation planning committee identified the most important health needs to be addressed by reviewing the CHNA, secondary data, community demographics, and input from representatives representing the broad interest of the community, including those with public health expertise (see page 8 for additional information regarding input received from community representatives). The implementation planning committee determined which needs or opportunities could be addressed considering Northern Rockies Medical Center’s parameters of resources and limitations. The committee then prioritized the needs/opportunities using the additional parameters of the organizational mission as well as existing and potential community partners. Participants then created a goal to achieve through strategies and activities, as well as the general approach to meeting the stated goal (i.e. staff member responsibilities, timeline, potential community partners, anticipated impact(s), and performance/evaluation measures). The prioritized health needs as determined through the assessment process and which the facility will be addressing relates to the following healthcare issues: Improve access to healthcare services through Behavioral Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health) Nutrition and Wellness
Offer senior specific fitness classes and education on how to properly use exercise equipment. CHIM Sept. 2017 CEO Resource limitations, Scheduling conflicts Partner with senior center to educate seniors on how to utilize transportation systems in community to get to appointments. CHIM Sept. 2017 CEO Cut Bank Senior Center Resource limitations, Scheduling conflicts Offer educational classes on Medicare benefits and end of life processes/advanced directives through POLST program. Clinic Manager/ CNO Sept. 2018 CEO Area on Aging Resource limitations, Scheduling conflicts Needs Being Addressed by this Strategy: #3- Healthy behaviors and lifestyles was the 3rd most identified factor in a healthy community by 40.6% of respondents. #8- Significantly more 2016 respondents (22.7%) indicated that greater health education services would improve their community’s access to healthcare. #9- Top 5 educational classes/programs/support groups identified of interest: Fitness (35.9%), Stress management (28.9%), First aid/CPR (28.1%), Weight loss (28.1%) and Nutrition (26.6%). #10- group participants identified a need for more facilities/opportunities for people to be physically active as well as a need for increased outreach in the community regarding opportunities for people to live healthy lifestyles. #11: Respondents rating of the community’s general health has declined significantly with each assessment. #12- groups identified a need for more outreach and education about nutrition, chronic disease and Medicare/Medicaid system. #13: Focus group participants identified Obesity and health conditions related to unhealthy lifestyles as a concern. #17- 29.1% of respondents their knowledge of health services at NRMC as “Fair” or “Poor.” Anticipated Impact(s) of these Activities: Improved access to health services. Improved access to health insurance plans. Continued on next page… Improved community health. Improved awareness of available programs and services. Plan to Evaluate Anticipated Impact(s) of these Activities: number new senior focused educational classes offered. Track attendance of senior focused educational class offerings.