Many Medicare beneficiaries have conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. The Midwest QIN-QIO supports clinicians in applying evidence-based practices and resources to screen for depression and substance use disorders, decrease opioid adverse drug events and deaths and implement pain and opioid use best practices. We also help clinicians connect patients to community-based solutions to address identified issues and receive necessary treatment.

Poor coordination of care when patients move across the care continuum places patients at risk for adverse outcomes, including medication errors, adverse drug events and preventable emergency room visits and readmissions. The Midwest QIN-QIO helps clinicians to improve communication and receive critical information when patients are discharged from a hospital and into their care. We also help to engage community services that offer support to both patients and caregivers, and enable patients to stay healthy at home.

Chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease lead to health complications and reduce the quality of life for many Medicare beneficiaries. The Midwest QIN-QIO provides clinicians with emerging clinical research and evidence-based practice for screening, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as self-management and lifestyle change programs for patients.

We promote effective prevention of COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal disease through collaboration with clinicians to implement evidence-based immunization strategies and best practices that are critical to a successful vaccination program, including strategies that increase receptiveness to vaccines among patients. 

There is an essential need for coordination with public health authorities and immediate activation of resources to address healthcare threats including natural disasters, infection outbreaks, and breaches of security and technology outages. The Midwest QIN-QIO partners with clinicians to conduct self-assessments for preparedness to manage emergencies, and operationalize emergency response plans. We also work to build capacity within the greater health care system for rapid response cross-setting collaboration when faced with emergencies.