Acute otitis media, antimicrobial resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and prescribing practices of nurse practitioners, physicians, and physician assistants in Alaska
The intent of the Alaska Federal Healthcare Partnership is to expand clinical and support capabilities of the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), Third Medical Group(3MDG), Bassett Army Community Hospital (BACH), 354th Medical Group (354th MDG), United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Veterans Administration (VA) through sharing of resources. The Alaska Federal Healthcare Partnership seeks to deliver cost effective health care to Indian Health Service (IHS), VA, USCG and Department of Defense(DoD) beneficiaries. The Partnership has demonstrated savings of over one million dollars annually. This is a significant accomplishment when the cost of health care in Alaska routinely exceeds 200 percent of CONUS costs and very few providers accept Medicare or TRICARE. This project examines the qualitative aspects of health care delivery by the AFHCP to eligible beneficiaries within Alaska.
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This Graduate Management Project submitted In partial fulfillment of graduation requirements for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Master’s in Health Care Administration Program
Alaska has continued to experience health care workforce shortages, especially in rural areas of the state. During the 26th State Legislature (2009-2010), several bills addressed behavioral health, primary health care, and dental health care workforce shortages in Alaska. The potential impact of state legislation on the above three high-priority health care occupational categories was evaluated through bill tracking, literature searches, and key informant interviews. Statewide difficulties with recruitment and retention of health care professionals were confirmed. Successful strategies for recruitment and retention vary among provider level and type, as well as geographical area. Successful strategies included support-for-service programs (SFSPs), mentor/supervisory presence and professional development opportunities, and in-state health care professional training. SFSPs are a promising recruitment strategy for most professionals. However, in-state training and collaboration are necessary to build Alaska's health care infrastructure. Successful policy changes require continuing statewide support to prepare Alaska for increasing health care demands.
Alaska Medical Library - From: Fortuine, Robert et al. 1993. The Health of the Inuit of North America: A Bibliography from the Earliest Times through 1990. University of Alaska Anchorage. Citation number 1174.