Data related to the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of opioid use disorder among Tribal citizens in the region is limited. Many of these services are provided through referrals to external, non-Tribal Nation affiliated providers and/or purchased and referred care (PRC). Information on this care is not always returned to Tribal Nation clinics. The goal of this project is to improve this data by mapping processes related to patient data collection, referral tracking, and the flow of information back to Tribal Nation clinics.
This is accomplished by partnering with Tribal Nations to define their concerns and tailor data flow analysis activities to their needs. Staff then participate in virtual interviews or focus groups to discuss current processes with clinic staff and healthcare providers and review documentation on current PRC processes.
THPS compiles this information into a process flowchart and report, including a series of recommendations to address identified challenges. Over time, USET hopes to develop a PRC/Referral Best Practices guide with lessons learned from across the region.
For more information or to participate in a data flow analysis contact Program Coordinator Emma Waugh.
Funding for this project is provided by the CDC: Tribal Epidemiology Centers Public Health Infrastructure Project (TECPHI)—Opioid Supplement.