Promoting Patient Centered Care
People tell us the health care system lacks organization, is difficult to navigate, and hard to understand. This is particularly a problem for those who are uninsured. MeHAF continues to promote more patient-centered and seamless care, particularly through the coordination and integration of primary care with behavioral health, dental care, specialty care and other services. Promoting patient-centered care means changing the way care is delivered so people receive appropriate, high-quality, coordinated and cost-effective care. In a patient-centered approach, people partner with their health care provider to take an active role in their own care which is holistic, comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous.
In 2005, MeHAF launched the Integration Initiative. This ten-year, $10 million commitment focuses on promoting better patient-centered care by improving coordination and seamless care delivery between behavioral health and primary care providers. This work began with a year-long visioning process that culminated in Integrated Health Care in Maine: Vision, Principles and Values, and Goals and Objectives. We also gathered public input from more than 1,500 people across the state which is summarized in Maine Integrated Health Initiative: Maine People Speak about Integrated Health Care. These two documents serve as the foundation for how MeHAF is promoting the integration of physical and behavioral health.
We use a combination of tools to promote patient-centered care, including grant funding to support innovative cross-disciplinary clinical projects, policy research and advocacy and rapid-cycle quarterly learning sessions. Our strategies and tools to promote patient-centered care consistently emphasize engaging patients and families in care delivery.
We advance policies and practices in the public and private sectors using an array of approaches, including:
To learn more about MeHAF's approach to patient and family-centered care, e-mail Becky Hayes Boober or call her at (207) 620-8266 x 114.