KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Kodiak Area Native Association is part of a pilot project aimed at increasing the quality of care at Indian Health Service facilities throughout the nation. There are 21 measures of performance as determined by the Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) of 1993. Tammy Hansen is the vice president of health services for KANA. She says KANA has been recognized for the second year in a row for meeting all of the performance goals.
— (KANA Rating 1 :10 "Last year we were… one of six in the nation.")
The project sets benchmarks for how well facilities address issues surrounding the screening and treatment for a number of health concerns including depression, diabetes, cancer and domestic violence.
Hansen says there are many reasons why KANA was able to meet the goals. One thing that definitely helped was a the electronic health records system that was implemented in 2008.
— (KANA Rating 2 :13 "We track the information… ahead of some of the other organizations.")
Hansen says the staff at KANA are also an important part of their performance.
— (KANA Rating 3 :16 "We’ve developed care teams… with their providers and their patients."
The GPRA requires agencies that receive federal funding to set goals, measure results and report their progress. Results from the report go to the Office of Management and Budget and Congress and help agencies compete for federal funding.
