According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) opioid-related hospital stays increased nationwide by 64 percent from 2005 to 2014. To access the AHRQ report, click here. The United States is facing an opioid epidemic, which costs $78 billion due to overdose, abuse and dependence.
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is working to reduce the economic, social and personal burden of the opioid epidemic through a Special Innovation Project (SIP) grant awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We are working to advance best practice development and understanding of effective intervention strategies in targeted communities and healthcare settings in Kansas. The Kansas Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC) will work collaboratively with healthcare practitioners, communities and Medicare consumers in this exciting effort. KFMC and the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network are pleased to be able to focus on identifying solutions and best practices to support the rural health networks, communities and consumers.
Recruitment for this project will begin in March. Although targeted based on Medicare Part D Claims Data, all interested parties are encouraged to contact Amanda Bridges to learn more about this opportunity and how to partner to combat the opioid crisis.