Bryan Health Releases Compendium of Best Practices in Rural Hospital-Community Partnerships

Case Studies Highlight Collaboration as Key Component to Improving Health Outcomes

Bryan Health 2017 Compendium of Best Practices (Photo: Business Wire)

LINCOLN, Neb.--()--Bryan Health, a Nebraska-governed nonprofit health system, recently released its 2017 Compendium of Best Practices in Rural Health Hospital-Community Partnerships. The 12 case studies tell the stories of rural Nebraska hospitals partnering with local businesses, schools, community centers and other organizations to improve the health of everyone in their communities.

These innovative partnerships serve as potential ideas for health care leaders in rural areas and across the country as they develop strategies to improve access to quality health care.

“Hospital-community partnerships can play a significant role in improving health and overcoming challenges unique to rural communities,” said Carol Friesen, vice president of health system services at Bryan Health. “These case studies illustrate what is possible when hospitals and community organizations come together to share resources, skills and services for a greater impact on population health.”

All case studies are available at bryanhealth.org/compendium. Each study guides readers through the background and key steps of the partnership, as well as results and lessons learned. The 2017 compendium features partnerships that:

  • Foster student interest in health care professions (Alliance, Neb.)
  • Inspire healthy choices through workplace wellness programs (Henderson, Neb.)
  • Engage consumers with online health and wellness tools (Fairbury, Neb.)
  • Lower childhood obesity rates through fitness initiatives (Lexington, Neb.)
  • Provide virtual care to college students via telemedicine (Seward, Neb.)
  • Team health coaches with community organizations for greater reach (Wahoo, Neb.)
  • Integrate rehabilitation and fitness services (Columbus, Neb.)
  • Increase access to affordable medications (Pender, Neb.)
  • Proactively manage student behavioral health issues (Geneva, Neb.)
  • Reduce hospital readmissions, ambulance transports and ER visits (McCook, Neb.)
  • Improve engagement in fitness and health activities (Central City, Neb.)
  • Help young adults with disabilities prepare for employment (York, Neb.)

“Rural Nebraska hospitals are leading the way in a new model of care—one that inspires people to make healthier decisions,” Friesen said. “Instead of focusing only on care for illnesses and injuries, the leaders and staff at these hospitals have extended services beyond their walls to promote wellness where people live, work and play.”

About Bryan Health

Bryan Health is a Nebraska-governed, nonprofit health system that cares for patients, educates tomorrow’s health care providers and motivates communities with fitness and health programs. With an award-winning network of doctors, hospitals and medical providers, Bryan Health offers effective care, works with industry leaders to introduce leading-edge, proven treatments, and serves rural communities in four states through outreach clinics, mobile services and telehealth care. The health system includes Bryan Medical Center, Bryan Heart, Bryan Foundation, Bryan Physician Network, Bryan Enterprises, Bryan College of Health Sciences, Bryan Health Connect, Crete Area Medical Center and Merrick Medical Center. Bryan Health is the sponsoring organization for the Heartland Health Alliance, Bryan CAH Network, and has management agreements with Clarinda Regional Health Center and Saunders Medical Center.

Contacts

Bryan Health
Brad Colee, 402-481-8784

Contacts

Bryan Health
Brad Colee, 402-481-8784