Background & Organization
Background & OrganizationBackground
In 2002, after competing with more than 70 cities throughout the nation, Indianapolis was one of four chosen to participate in a community-based research project, known nationally as Friendly Access, and locally as Indiana Access. This community-based research project is governed by the principle that the way in which people are treated plays a role in whether they access and continue to participate in primary and preventive health services, including prenatal care.
Originally modeled after the Disney Institute of Customer Service, this unique project applies principles largely used by for-profit organizations to the provision of health services for low-income women and children. Indiana Access uses the voices of patients and consumers to bring to life their experiences and realities. This serves as the basis for identifying unique and effective strategies to overcome barriers that keep women and children from receiving necessary health and social services that could improve health outcomes. An extensive array of quantitative and qualitative research methods are in use to more adequately describe needs, identify barriers to care and determine the factors that contribute to health disparities.
Nationally, the project was initially funded by the Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center of the University of South Floridawith funding support from theCenters for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). Locally, the project is administered by the Indiana Perinatal Network (IPN) with funding support from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County.
uses the voices of patients and consumers to bring to life their experiences and realities. This serves as the basis for identifying unique and effective strategies to overcome barriers that keep women and children from receiving necessary health and social services that could improve health outcomes. An extensive array of quantitative and qualitative research methods are in use to more adequately describe needs, identify barriers to care and determine the factors that contribute to health disparities. Organization
