Anthony M. Provenzano's Dissertation Defense

Health systems and medical practices are taking a greater role in providing social care. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) lead these efforts, offering a model for using information technology to manage patient care across sectors. The dissertation study describes Michigan FQHC services, partnerships, and technological capabilities that support the delivery of social care.

Abstract:

Health systems are taking a greater role in providing social care. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) lead these efforts, offering a model for using technology to manage care and exchange patient information. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine Michigan FQHC services, partnerships, and technological capabilities that support the delivery of social care. Based on a sample of Michigan FQHCs (n=15), health center leadership, clinicians, and staff responded to a practice survey and semi-structured interviews about workforce and technological factors related to developing care management and data activities. The analyses of the survey and interviews addressed three broad research questions: (i) What social care services do FQHCs deliver, and to what extent are those services provided in partnership with other organizations? (ii) What information infrastructure is available to support these services? and (iii) What are the facilitators and barriers to providing social care? Developing information infrastructure and technological capabilities to manage social care supports partnership and data activities. Investments in both technology and human capital are critical to create a social care infrastructure. This study provides foundational research to support future investigations of how community health information exchanges and collaborative data practices can be leveraged to deliver high-quality care and improve outcomes.