Hospital Perspective Caryl Johnston, M. H. A Hospital Perspective Caryl Johnston, M.H.A. Director, Northwest Hospital Alliance Advances in Effective Primary Care in Rural Areas Solutions to Idaho’s Rural Health Care Crisis Idaho Healthcare Summit May 18, 2018

Mission The Northwest Hospital Alliance exists to provide a regional cooperative approach to the delivery of rural health care. Organized in 1991 by the CEO’s of the five hospitals to develop a structure to work together towards the betterment of regional health services. These hospital administrators recognized the common needs in their healthcare organizations, and the ability to be more effective and efficient by collaborating and working together.

Our Work Group Contracting and Cost Savings: attain better pricing through volume Services contracted to the CAH members from Kootenai Health Information Systems Network Electronic Medical Record Other Software and Interfaces

Peer Groups and Initiatives Sharing Information and Policies Problem Solving Projects and Initiatives DNV Accreditation Care Transitions Antimicrobial Stewardship Time Sensitive Emergencies Palliative Care and Advanced Directives Opioid Misuse Behavioral Health

Education Grant Opportunities Nursing Grand Rounds Workshops and Conferences Shared Clinical Experience SIM Trainings   Grant Opportunities Over 7 million

Workforce: Lab Scientists   Lab Scientists Collaboration with Sacred Heart, Idaho State University and Oregon Health Sciences University Clinical rotations to provide rural experience Nursing NIC Health Sciences programs

Workforce: Family Practice Residency – Kootenai Health   Kootenai Health Services lines supporting rural communities Cardiology Cancer Services Nephrology Rheumatology Employment of physician by Kootenai contracted to a regional partner Exploration of Joint Recruitment