State of Delaware Health Initiatives Report

Choose Health Delaware Initiative

The State of Delaware has launched the “Choose Health” initiative, a public engagement program designed to enhance the state’s healthcare system. This program facilitates discussions between the public and expert panels on critical healthcare improvements.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The initiative directly supports SDG 3 by focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Key areas such as coordinated care teams and effective medication management aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all Delaware residents.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By addressing barriers to healthcare access, such as limited doctor availability, the program works towards reducing health inequalities within the state. Providing options for evening and weekend appointments ensures more equitable access for working individuals and families.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The initiative recognizes the role of the local environment in public health, aligning with SDG 11. It encourages discussion on how neighborhood design and community resources can contribute to residents getting and staying healthy, fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.

Key Areas for Public Consultation

1. Expansion of doctors’ hours to include evenings and weekends.
2. Implementation of robust systems for tracking and managing medications and medical records.
3. Development of coordinated, team-based healthcare approaches.
4. Exploration of how neighborhood environments can support positive health outcomes.

Request for Professional Services: Data Warehouse and Decision Support Systems (DW/DSS)

Project Overview

The State of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through its Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA), has issued a Request for Professional Services (RFP) to procure a primary contractor for the implementation of a Data Warehouse and Decision Support System (DW/DSS).

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The DW/DSS project is fundamental to achieving SDG 3. By centralizing and analyzing health data, the system will enable evidence-based policy-making, improve management of health services, and allow for better monitoring of public health outcomes, thereby strengthening the state’s capacity for health risk reduction and management.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): This initiative represents a significant investment in resilient technological infrastructure. The development of a sophisticated data warehouse fosters innovation in health information management and builds a critical foundation for a modern, data-driven healthcare system.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The RFP process exemplifies SDG 17 by fostering a public-private partnership. The state is collaborating with a specialized contractor to leverage technology and expertise to achieve its public health objectives and advance its commitment to the SDGs.

Procurement Timeline

1. RFP Release Date: July 21, 2023
2. Response Due Date: October 19, 2023
3. Estimated Notification of Award: December 4, 2023
4. Estimated Completion of Negotiations: December 31, 2023
5. Contracted Services to Begin: August 29, 2024

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s primary focus is on improving health care services, access, and management systems in Delaware.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The request for a “Data Warehouse and Decision Support Systems (DW/DSS)” represents an investment in technological infrastructure to improve public services.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The mention of “how your neighborhood can help you get and stay healthy” connects health outcomes to the living environment in communities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The article describes efforts by a state government department (DHSS/DMMA) to become more effective and improve its services through transparent processes like a Request for Professional Services (RFP).

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
     
     The “Choose Health” initiative directly addresses this by aiming to make health care better through improved access (evening and weekend hours), better management of medications and medical records, and coordinated care teams.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries… for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
     
     The development of a Data Warehouse and Decision Support System for the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance is a direct effort to strengthen the state’s capacity to manage its health system, analyze data, and make informed decisions, which is fundamental to managing health risks.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support… human well-being.
     
     The DW/DSS is a critical piece of technological infrastructure. The article details the state’s plan to procure and implement this system to support the well-being of its citizens by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of medical assistance programs.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities…
     
     While not a primary focus, the article implies a connection to this target by including “how your neighborhood can help you get and stay healthy” as a topic for discussion. This suggests creating healthy urban environments is part of the overall health strategy.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     The article highlights a public and transparent procurement process (Request for Professional Services) with clear deadlines for a major government project. This process, aimed at improving the capabilities of the Department of Health and Social Services, is a clear example of developing more effective and accountable institutions.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For Target 3.8 (Achieve universal health coverage)

   • Availability of extended doctor’s hours: The article explicitly mentions “evening and weekend doctors’ hours” as a key topic, which can be measured to track progress on access to care.
   • Implementation of systems for tracking medical records and medications: The existence and functionality of systems to ensure “medications and medical records are tracked and managed” serves as an indicator of quality and coordinated care.
   • Establishment of coordinated care teams: The presence and use of care teams, as mentioned in the article, is a measurable indicator of progress towards a more integrated healthcare system.

2. For Target 9.1 (Develop quality infrastructure) and Target 16.6 (Develop effective institutions)

   • Successful procurement and implementation of the Data Warehouse and Decision Support System (DW/DSS): The article provides a detailed timeline for the RFP, from release (July 21, 2023) to contract signing and service start (August 29, 2024). Meeting these milestones is a direct indicator of progress in building this technological infrastructure and strengthening the institution.

3. For Target 11.6 (Reduce adverse per capita environmental impact of cities)

   • Development of neighborhood-based health initiatives: The article implies this through the discussion topic “how your neighborhood can help you get and stay healthy.” The creation of programs or policies based on these discussions would be an indicator of progress.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dhss.delaware.gov