{"id":777,"date":"2022-10-07T14:39:14","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T20:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.julota.com\/?p=777"},"modified":"2024-03-13T12:06:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T18:06:53","slug":"what-mih-cp-teams-wish-they-knew-about-their-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.julota.com\/news\/what-mih-cp-teams-wish-they-knew-about-their-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"What MIH-CP Teams Wish They Knew About Their Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mobile integrated healthcare-community paramedicine (MIH-CP) has learned a lot. The battle against the coronavirus has taught us much about the world of community medicine. Not only did COVID-19 jumpstart community paramedicine<\/a>, but it also delivered some helpful lessons about what works and what doesn\u2019t. This article will discuss what MIH-CP teams wish they’d known a year ago. Hopefully, EMS directors and healthcare teams use this information to structure their programs in the years ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will point out misconceptions about MIH-CP programs and offer some insight on ways to make your program strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Five Things MIH-CP Team Programs Wish They Knew a Year Ago<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare is ripe for MIH-CP. However, just because there’s a \u201cmarket\u201d for something doesn’t mean the execution of the service can be sloppy – especially in healthcare, where people expect and deserve excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many MIH-CP program directors may be palming their foreheads, asking “why didn’t I think of that sooner?” This article will give you a glimpse into future worries and<\/em> how to avoid them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are several things MIH-CP programs wish they knew a year ago: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Don’t just rely on the grants <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Perform a clear needs assessment <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Understand the importance of staffing <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Prepare to diversify services<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Don’t wait to gather data <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This guide will help you miss a few potholes on your journey to establishing a strong MIH-CP program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seek Long-term Funding Early (Not Just Grants)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The first thing MIH-CP programs wish they’d known a year ago is to seek long-term funding. The trials of funding often come to those who take a passive approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Money doesn’t grow on trees, but trees that produce good fruit can attract buyers, and money. The point is this: if you’ve dedicated yourself to creating a good program, there will be funding options. Organizations will be interested in partnering with and funding the MI-CP program, when they see it produces real results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    MIH-CP programs will suffer if they don’t seek funding early and often. Many programs start with grant funding; however, once the grant money is gone, they are left at square one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are several quick tips on funding a community paramedic program: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Grants<\/strong>. For sure, use grants as the rocket fuel that sends your program to the moon! Just be sure you have a plan for the return trip. Grants are a great way to get started, but they aren’t usually a viable solution for the long term. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Explore state rules<\/strong>. Some states allow MIH-CP programs to bill directly for their services. This is becoming more popular. Check with your state. If your state doesn’t allow community paramedics to be paid, then it may be time to advocate for expanded laws recognizing community paramedicine<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Partnerships<\/strong>. Partnerships are essential for good funding. Many areas that begin with grant funding can continue their programs independently by building a strong chain of partners. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If you’re curious, you can read our article on seven ways to fund a community paramedicine program.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Now, let’s talk about another key: a needs assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Perform a Needs Assessment for MIH-CP Teams <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      What is a needs assessment for MIH-CP? A needs assessment determines the healthcare deficits of the community. These assessments may be more or less formal. However, it’s often worth contacting the local hospital, which is usually required to perform a needs assessment of some type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While the need for community paramedicine is real, not every area has the same healthcare demands. A hammer is a great tool (and is needed to build a house), but it will not drive screws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In the same way, community paramedicine must not force a program on an area. Rather, it should morph to the community’s needs. If an area needs help managing patients with chronic illness, then a program addressing alternative destinations probably won’t be the most effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You’ve probably heard the phrase, “throw some mud at the wall until something sticks.” Well, if you have infinite resources, lobbing piles of mud at walls may work. However, most people have limited supplies. The purpose of a needs assessment<\/a> is to determine what health program is most likely to stick. This avoids a lot of wasted time and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After a needs assessment, the MIH-CP team program will be more likely to find and treat the most pressing health issues in a community. If you’re curious, read more about how to perform a needs assessment in our guide to starting a community paramedic program<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Prepare to Actively Recruit and Retain Staff  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      During a paramedic and EMS staffing shortage, managers may think that a community paramedic program will put them over the edge, leading to even more strain on the department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Other areas have started a community paramedic program, hoping for the best, only to find they have trouble staffing their trucks, let alone their community paramedic unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      So, before the MIH-CP program goes forward, it’s important to ensure staffing isn’t overlooked. Too many programs get themselves in a situation where they’re stretched thin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Here are several ideas to address staffing your community paramedic program: <\/p>\n\n\n\n