ADVERTISEMENT
From ImageTrend Connect: Reaching Arizona’s Vulnerable Populations
Citizens of Tempe, Arizona, with ongoing health needs are benefiting from the Patient Advocate Services (PAS) program of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue (TFMR). PAS targets seniors, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, the uninsured and underinsured population, people with disabilities, those experiencing substance abuse and addiction, victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, patients with health literacy needs and more.
Dana Cardenas, RN, EMS Coordinator for TFMR, presented the history and highlights of PAS during the virtual ImageTrend Connect conference July 21, 2021.
PAS started as a pilot project by TFMR’s Medical Services Department, explained Cardenas. A deputy chief and EMS captain went out into the community to see patients flagged as “frequent nonemergent.” After identifying 20 patients who would most benefit from nonemergent visits, the department hired a nurse and firefighter-paramedic to conduct scheduled visits.
Funding for the PAS program was supplied via a Tribal Gaming Grant through the Tempe City Council.
Results
Results of the program so far have been favorable, according to Cardenas: a 46% reduction on non-emergent calls post-enrollment into the PAS among those who have been referred to the program (not all EMS calls).
According to Cardenas, the program’s holistic and patient-centric approach allows for:
- Improved response times while improving care
- Reduction in ER visits
- Reduced hospital readmissions
- Reduced costs for patients, the municipality, and healthcare plans.
PAS providers don’t provide primary care. Rather, “We are a vessel,” Cardenas said. “We help coordinate care.” PAS is a community medicine program that connects human services and healthcare to provide care coordination, reduce healthcare disparities and address the social determinants of health.
The elements of a community health-centered approach, said Cardenas, include:
- Availability to healthcare, vaccines, and medications
- Food and essential cleaning supplies
- Availability to housing
- Connecting isolated residents through telemedicine—mental care, medical care, and socialization during quarantine.
Starting a Program
“Partnerships are so important” when starting this type of program, said Cardenas, adding that community groups will be willing to partner. “They will have open arms. Getting strong relationships out in your community is the most important thing.”
PAS collaborations include the Opioid Task Force for the City of Tempe, homeless outreach and support organizations, police, dementia and age-friendly associations, Frequent Users Systems Engagement (FUSE), and Senior Care C-19 Recovery meetings. TMFR is also a contracted provider for the Phoenix VA with an approved fee schedule.
Potential obstacles to prepare for, according to Cardenas, include:
- Sustainable funding for continuance and growth of the program
- Standardization of local and national CP models
- Regulations surrounding COVID
- Access to billing codes for reimbursement from healthcare plans
- Contacting high-volume callers with no number or address.
“This service improves the health and well-being of our residents in need, reduces the number of calls to the emergency 9-1-1 system, and increases the availability of TFMR,” Cardenas said.
More From ImageTrend Connect
ImageTrend announced the winners of the 2021 Hooley™ Awards at the 13th annual ImageTrend Connect Conference. The Hooley Awards celebrate innovative ideas and programs in the EMS, fire and healthcare industries.
“We are so impressed by the dedication of this year’s Hooley Award finalists and the initiatives they have helped lead,” ImageTrend President and COO Joe Graw said. “Fostering an environment for these innovative ideas and programs is essential to leading advancements in our communities and the industry as a whole.”
