Access to health care in many rural communities is poor.  The Comprehensive Rural Care Collaborative Model has helped retain and improve access to primary care and important preventive health care services for individuals living in a rural community. 

In 2007, Minnie Hamilton Health System (MHHS) provided services to over 10,000 individuals.  The system provided care to its community through 1,100 acute care hospital days, 1,866 emergency department visits, 16,754 outpatient visits, over 38,000 clinic visits, and 3,219 dental visits.

MHHS collects data on a variety of outcomes and processes including invasive and noninvasive procedures that place patients at risk; processes related to medication use; processes related to the use of blood and blood components; and the appropriateness and effectiveness of pain management.

MHHS distributes satisfaction surveys to its staff periodically.  The process provides administration with feedback on areas that are working well and areas that can be improved.  MHHS promotes ownership among their employees.  This is seen as a major component for the success of this integrated model. 

As a small and tight knit community, board members and MHHS administrators personally receive feedback from patients and families satisfaction.  This real-time verbal feedback provides a good opportunity to respond effectively to community needs.