Network development activities of the Arizona Critical Access Hospital Program include:

  * Collaborate with Western Flex Programs to build an interstate Tribal and I.H.S. CAH network through teleconferencing.

  In collaboration with I.H.S. Headquarters in Rockville, Md., the Arizona Flex Program helps to sponsor national teleconferences among the I.H.S. CAHs for the purpose of networking common issues, challenges and solutions.  These meetings were initiated by the Arizona Flex Program during 2004-05, and have continued under the auspices of I.H.S. headquarters.  They have led to special trainings on swing beds, billing and coding methods, certified diabetes education training needs. 

 * Provide continuing support for a statewide rural quality managers network

  The Flex Program has supported quarterly teleconferences for quality managers at CAHs and representatives from Health Services Advisory Group, the state’s QIO.  Recent meetings have covered topics such as the 8th Scope of Work, hospital survey on patient safety, and medication reconciliation initiative.  (Click here for Arizona Rural Quality Network Group)

 * Form network of CAH diabetes coordinators who meet by teleconference

  This informal network grew out of a virtual tele-talking circle sponsored by the Flex Program and the Arizona Telemedicine Program in December 2004 when we connected two tribal CAHs by videoconference to discuss teen diabetes. The network expanded to include diabetes staff in the CAHs in Bisbee, Douglas, Nogales, Page, Wickenburg and Winslow.  Basically, the diabetes educators share models that work and give each other ideas for improving performance within their program initiatives.

 * Community Engagement Network Model in a CAH community

  In August 2005 the CAH in Willcox became involved with the Northern Cochise Community Health Leadership Council.  The group was formed to identify community health issues facing Willcox and its surrounding communities. Three meetings have been held to date.  The Flex Program supported the publication of a leadership team workbook entitled, “The Technology of Development: A Framework for Transforming Community Cultures.”  The group continues to build momentum regarding community development, and their actions strengthen the CAHs’ role in the community.

 * Continue Flex Leadership Group (FLG)

This group constitutes all the stakeholders involved in the Arizona Flex program.  Membership includes all CAHs, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, the QIO, the Fiscal Intermediaries, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and the AHCCCS program.  The group functions as an informal network to share information regarding CAHs, training needs, and Flex Program capacities to meet identified needs.