Health Care Services

Vermont Rural Health and Primary Care Plan (PDF, 4.6 MB)

Under contract with the Vermont Department of Health JSI facilitated a strategic planning process to develop a State Plan on Rural Health and Primary Care. The plan is a requirement of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy as part of the funding requirements of all State Offices of Rural Health. The document sets forth the resulting goals, objectives and activities for the State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care to achieve over the next three years. This document provides a list of recommended activities that are based upon data, qualitative input from stakeholders and an analysis of present opportunities. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., March 2009.

Vermont Dementia Plan (PDF, 1.1 MB)

The prevalence of dementia is expected to increase significantly as the population ages. In Vermont more than 20% of the population will be over 65 by 2020. As such, Vermont will be impacted by aging-related diseases such as dementia. Under contract with the Vermont Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living, JSI developed a Vermont State Plan on Dementia which outlines the strategic programming to improve existing services for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders as well as project the future service needs of the population. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., December 2008.

Working Together to Assure a Healthy Public - A Report to New Hampshire Residents (PDF, 9.37 MB)

The New Hampshire State Health Report is a comprehensive document that provides information on the health status of the citizens of New Hampshire. Moreover, the purpose of this report is to increase awareness of a variety of health topics in New Hampshire and serve as a tool to guide decision making for policymakers, health care providers, public health workers, practitioners, educators, and social service agencies.

Working Together to Assure a Healthy Public is the first effort by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide New Hampshire residents a comprehensive summary of the health of the state's population. The specific aim of this report is to: (1) describe the current health of New Hampshire's population; (2) summarize potential risks to the population's future health; and (3) provide information to support collaboration among individuals, communities, the medical system and public health to assure the future health of the state's population. JSI/Community Health Institute, 2007.

Adult Hypertension Patient Reminder Form (PDF, 88.0 KB)

Cardio vascular disease and hypertension represents a growing burden of disease in Central Asia. This pamphlet is intended to support patient adherence to behaviors that improve the management and control of high blood pressure, including daily intake of prescribed medication. This tool is also a reminder for providers on evidence-based prescribing and counseling practices associated with improved quality of care for patients with hypertension. JSI/ZdravPlus Project, 2007.

Adult Hypertension Information Checklist (PDF, 72.0 KB)

This tool is intended to promote blood pressure screening for adults who visit primary care sites for any reason. The ultimate goal of this tool is to help identify disease, and improve case management and treatment. JSI/ZdravPlus Project, 2007.

Indonesia Health Services Program Aceh Final Report 2005-2008 (PDF, 2.01 MB)

In the wake of the destruction caused by the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Aceh, JSI's Health Services Program, already operating in Indonesia, as asked by USAID to help communities along the west coast of Aceh—the area hardest-hit by the disaster.

This report provides an overview of HSP's support, which focused primarily on strengthening the health system's responses to maternal and child health issues. The program worked closely with the Ministry of Health to provide technical assistance in the areas of district planning and budgeting, advocacy, community mobilization, behavior change communications, supportive supervision and improving quality of and access to midwifery services. HSP also addressed psychosocial protection of women and children, and helped to put in place a household-to-hospital continuum of care for the mentally ill. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc./Indonesia Health Services Program, 2008.

Findings from Vermont Medication Assistance Services: A Pilot Program for Seniors Living in Unlicensed Congregate Housing (PDF, 7.99 MB)

Due to the propensity for medication-related problems among older adults and without intensive focus on medication safety and medication adherence in this population, the related morbidity and mortality can only be expected to rise. Innovative, comprehensive models are needed to address medication-related problems among seniors in congregate housing and other independent living environments. This report examines one model, the Vermont Medication Assistance Services program, which is designed to address medication safety, adherence and assistance for seniors living in unlicensed congregate housing in Vermont. To date the multi-dimensional Vermont Medication Assistance demonstration project is the first to encompass proven interventions to address medication safety and adherence for seniors living in the community. The report looks at implementation issues and how they were resolved, the selection process for pilot sites, and how those implementing the model were trained. It also includes individual feedback from pharmacists, nurses, and seniors themselves. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation. 2008.

Providing Medication Assistance For Seniors: A Guide For Resident Service Coordinators, Pharmacists And Nurses (PDF, 419 KB)

Many seniors living independently have health-related needs that could be addressed by home-based assistance, enabling seniors to "age in place." However, the delayed recognition of such needs and a lack of appropriate assistance services oftentimes lead to institutionalization. This guide has been developed with input from an interdisciplinary team from Vermont including resident service coordinators from unlicensed congregate housing sites, a visiting nurse, and a pharmacist as an aid to those providing medication assistance to seniors. The guide is divided into three sections covering the three different types of medication assistance services offered by the Vermont Medication Assistance Services program. Each section provides step-by-step instructions to guide a RSC/Nurse/Pharmacist team in carrying out the activities comprising various services for medication assistance. The specific roles of each team member are described, and the team member who may take the lead for each activity is indicated. The Guide includes handouts or forms used for various purposes in delivering Vermont Medication Assistance Services. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation. 2008.

Health Services Program: ACEH Final Report 2005-2008 (PDF, 2.08 MB)

This document presents the results from the three-year Indonesia Health Services Program (HSP) that focused on improving the health of women and children in districts most affected by the 2004 earthquake and tsunami. The program was designed to reduce mortality among mothers, newborns, and children by improving the safety of and access to local health facilities and vital health information.

Notable successes included the construction of new community midwife clinics, the stocking of these new facilities with equipment necessary for safe deliveries, and the training of midwives and midwife coordinators. Continuing the success of the 2004 HSP Mental Health Initiative, HSP emphasized the importance of psychosocial health of women and children through the household-to-hospital continuum of psychosocial support. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. 2008.

Development of a Medical Home and Chronic Care Model for the Potomac Street Health Center (PSHC) Report (PDF, 1.32 MB)

JSI developed a Medical Home and Chronic Care model for the Potomac Street Health Center (PSHC) that resonates with the organization's (MCPN) management, PSHC staff and providers, key stakeholders in partnering agencies and hospitals, and patients. The final report includes the model developed along with an analysis of PSHC's services, operations, patient demographics and collaborations. Furthermore, the report contains recommendations for PSHC to move from their current state to the agreed upon model, including financial and staffing needs. All presentations, assessment tools and documents created for the project are included as appendices to the report. John Snow, Inc., July 2008.

Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infection in Massachusetts

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Division of Health Care Quality worked to develop a statewide infection prevention and control program. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., convened local and national experts to review evidence and develop recommendations for prevention and reporting. In January 2008, a comprehensive set of recommendations encompassing HAI reporting and "best practices" for preventing HAIs, including programmatic aspects of hospital infection prevention and control programs.

Download document Part 1, Final Recommendations of the Expert Panel, delineates the panel's recommendations, technical specifications of these recommendations, and a full description of the process by which they were developed. You can also access the Part 1 Executive Summary.

Part 2, Findings from Complementary Research Activities, contains the detailed information on the statewide survey of acute care hospitals, focus groups with hospital executives, formative research with the general public, an economic analysis of HAI costs in Massachusetts and a synopsis of literature concerning best practices for educating healthcare workers on prevention of HAIs. You can also access the Part 2 Executive Summary.

Laurie Kunches, Lisa Hirschhorn, Julia Przedworski, Danielle Cuenod. Boston, MA. 2008.

Making a Difference in the Lives of Ugandans: UPHOLD Delivers Social Services through Partnerships (PDF, 448 MB)

This booklet presents more than 20 stories and narratives of initiatives undertaken through the USAID-funded UPHOLD project in Uganda. From promoting HIV prevention through couples clubs to improving school management, the profiles of partnerships featured within highlight the approaches and impact that UPHOLD staff and partners have had on individuals' lives as well as in schools, communities, and health centers. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and World Education, Inc., 2008.

Healthy Eating and Active Living Initiative: Action Plan for New Hampshire (PDF, 2.45 MB)

As part of the New Hampshire Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Initiative, JSI was hired to develop a statewide plan for promoting healthy eating and active living to improve health and quality of life for all NH residents. The New Hampshire HEAL Action Plan is a blueprint for statewide efforts to assist residents in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Plan includes policies, practices, and communication interventions based on established best practices. Susan Friedrich, JSI Community Health Institute, March 2008

Download HEAL Executive Summary (PDF, 79 KB)

Assessment of the Needs of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Doña Ana County, New Mexico Report (PDF, 943 KB)

The Housing Authority of the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico and the City of Las Cruces Senior Programs have begun to explore the development of housing programs for the estimated 3,000 grandparents raising grandchildren in Doña Ana County. As a first step in that process, JSI conducted a comprehensive assessment of the social service and housing needs of grandparents raising grandchildren in the county. The report describes the methodology of the assessment (a survey), the challenges reported by the more than 100 grandparents raising grandchildren who participated in the assessment, their housing and social service needs, and a set of recommendations for future activities. The report and the results of the assessment will be used by the city's Housing Authority and Senior Programs, as well as other local service providers to develop or expand programs and services to address the unique needs of this population. Jeremy Holman, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., January 2008

Dutchess County Cancer Control Needs Assessment Report (PDF, 560 KB)

As part of the Dutchess County Department of Health efforts to develop a county-level cancer control plan, JSI Research & Training Institute completed a comprehensive assessment of cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and support services in the county. The report includes three substantive parts: an epidemiologic profile of the burden of cancer in Dutchess County; detailed findings from the three components of the needs assessment (key informant interviews, the resource inventory survey, and focus groups); and a set of themes and recommendations to Dutchess County based on these findings. Together, these themes and recommendations form a basis and provide direction for the next stage of comprehensive cancer control in Dutchess County. Stewart Landers, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 2008.

Community Mental Health Treatment, Protection and Promotion for Women and Children in Aceh: Findings from an Evaluation of Programs Supported by the Health Services Program (HSP) (PDF, 397 KB)

This report presents results from the successful Indonesia Health Services Program (HSP) Mental Health and Psychosocial initiative that took place following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in December 2004. In response to this disaster HSP began work in Aceh to address the psychosocial and protection needs of women and children.

Key findings include the development of a household-to hospital continuum of mental health care and a mental health system that has assisted with the restoration of health, human rights and human dignity. Survey findings concerning the new mental health program concluded that 90% of patients and caretakers reported improvements in mental health or social functioning. Developed by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. in conjunction with Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and support from the USAID funded HSP Project. Neil Boothby and Maggie Veatch, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 2007.

New England Rural Data for Action Study: A Comparative Analysis of Health Data for the New England Region (PDF 4.21 MB)

This study compares the differences in health status, access, outcomes, risk factors, and related socio-economic and demographic statistics across several tiers of rurality across the six New England states. Funded by the State Offices of Rural Health and several healthcare foundations, the project developed a tiered regional definition of rural that is both uniform, yet fits each state's concept of its rural nature. This definition was then used to develop descriptive and comparative statistics across a wide range of available data. JSI also incorporated results from a variety of related studies conducted in the region based on the literature. JSI prepared the document for the New England Rural Health Roundtable. Eric Turer, JSI/Community Health Institute. March 2007.

Uganda: Using a Simple Survey Method to Scale Up Evidence-Based Decision Making at the District Level—The UPHOLD Project (1,418 KB)

This case study, developed as part of JSI's Best Practices in Scaling Up series, examines how JSI's Uganda Program for Human and Holistic Development (UPHOLD) expanded use of the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) methodology for data collection and analysis. Because of the program, districts now have accurate data available for their planning, budgets more accurately reflect districts' specific needs, and district performance can be measured and health services thus improved. The case study also looks at the steps used to scale-up LQAS in Uganda and explores what worked and what was learned as the methodology was implemented broadly. Also included in the series is an Introduction to scale up as well as case studies from Guatemala, Nepal, Romania, Turkey, Zambia, and the DELIVER project. Xavier Nsabagasani, Joseph Mabirizi, Samson Kironde, Nosa Orobaton, John Snow, Inc., 2007.

Guatemala, Pro Redes Salud: Rapid Scale Up of Primary Health Care through NGOs (1,056 KB)

This case study, developed as part of JSI's Best Practices in Scaling Up series, examines the process used to scale up primary health care programs in the Guatemalan highlands under JSI's Pro Redes Salud (NGO Networks) project. The case study highlights how high quality services can be extended to thousands of rural residents through NGO networks. The case study also includes steps used to scale-up as well as a review of what worked and what JSI staff learned along the way as scale-up processes were implemented. Also included in the series is an Introduction to scale up as well as case studies from Nepal, Romania, Turkey, Uganda, Zambia, and the DELIVER project. Elizabeth Burleigh, John Snow, Inc., 2006.

Health Services Program 2006 Annual Report (PDF, 2.66 MB)

The USAID-funded Health Services Project in Indonesia is implementing maternal, newborn and child health interventions at the district level, including the hard-hit Aceh district, and is working with health facilities, NGOs and community organizations as well as the private commercial sector. This report reviews the accomplishments of the project's first year. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc, 2006.

Cultural Diversity Focus Group Report (PDF, 834 KB)

This final report presents findings from a qualitative study of elders from diverse communities conducted on behalf of the Boston Partnership on Elder Adults and the Eldercare Alliance. The consultant utilized community-based participatory research methods to rapidly organize focus groups with elders who are African-American; Cape Verdean; Chinese; Haitian; Latino; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender; Russian; and Vietnamese. The key questions focused on whether elders from each community would use various community- and home-based services and the factors influencing their choices. The findings were presented at a summit entitled What Does It Take to Keep an Elder at Home? on May 6, 2005 in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

The CAPA Handbook: A "How-To" Guide for Implementing Catchment Area Planning and Action, a Community-Based Child Survival Approach (PDF, 1.01 MB)

Arlington, Va.: BASICS II for the United States Agency for International Development.

NGO Networks Project, Pro Redes Salud Project (PDF, 485 KB)

Final report of the Guatemala NGO Networks Project (Pro Redes Salud) which expanded basic care to people in the Mayan highland regions, unified the civil society and improved the MOH NGO granting program. From 2000 to 2004, the project extended high-quality services to 317,000 rural residents, and surveys showed significant improvements in health care coverage. NGOs were unified into networks, a national NGO federation had been formed, and innovations had been adopted by the MOH for improvements in the national MOH NGO program. JSI/Pro Redes Salud, 2004.

Improving health care delivery systems in Eritrea—technical assistance & support (TASC) (PDF, 1.47 MB)

Final report of the JSI/TASC Eritrea project technical assistance & support (TASC), which was focused on maternal health, child health, and nutrition. The report also contains summary sheets of key cross-cutting topics including human resources development, logistics systems and behavior change communications, among others. JSI/Eritrea TASC, 2004.

Rapid assessment of referral care systems : a guide for program managers (PDF, 2.56 MB)

Kim Cervantes, Rene Salgado, 2003.

Training of Traditional Healers Facilitator's Guide, Zambia Integrated Health Programme (ZIHP) (PDF, 1.40 MB)

The Traditional Healers' Facilitator's Guide was developed in conjunction with the Zambian Central Board of Health for use in training traditional healers in disease management and referral systems. It was designed to improve traditional healers' programs and existing methods of practice and motivation in communities.
2003.

Asking the Hard Questions: A Reproductive Health Providers Guide to Client-Centered HIV Risk Assessment (PDF, 771 KB)

This guide is an interactive, self-instructional workbook created for reproductive health care providers who perform client-centered HIV, sexual behavior, and substance abuse risk assessments. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. 2002.

Supporting Quality HIV Risk Assessment: A Guide for Reproductive Health Clinic Managers and Supervisors (PDF, 696 KB)

A companion guide to Asking the Hard Questions, the goal of this material is to help clinic managers or supervisors assure that their staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide quality care while performing HIV risk assessments. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. 2002.

Access to Health Care for Transgendered Persons in Greater Boston (PDF, 183 KB)

Access to health care services for the transgendered persons has not been studied in detail. This study reports on four focus groups, at which over forty transgendered individuals discussed their experiences and interactions with the health care system.

This study identifies the health needs and barriers to obtaining services, support and/or resources for transgender and transsexual (TG/TS) individuals. It also assessed the extent to which health care providers and systems are able to offer sensitive, high quality services that meet TG/TS consumers' needs; and identified ways that health care services can be enhanced to better meet the needs of the target population.

Advocates for the transgender community have used this report, along with other transgender health needs assessments, to support efforts to increase coverage of services to transgender persons that are reimbursed by both government and private health insurers. The findings were presented in 2000 at the first session on transgender health care ever to be held at an annual meeting of the American Public Health Association.

Gary Fallas, Stewart Landers, Susan Lawrence, and Jodi Sperber. LGBT Health Access Project/JSI Research & Training Institute, 2000