MOBILE INTEGRATED HEALTH (MIH) PROGRAM The Olathe Fire Department has developed an innovative program to help meet the needs of vulnerable people…even before they call 9-1-1. The Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program deploys firefighter paramedics and a nurse practitioner to medically assess individuals who request or are referred for service, but do not need to visit an emergency room. The MIH team determines needs and resources, and helps connect patients with the appropriate care in the community. The program was launched in June of 2014 with two firefighter paramedics working 40 hours per week. In 2015, the team added the nurse practitioner and had 3,000 contacts with people in the community. Most commonly, MIH patients are underserved residents with limited connections to medical care; frequent 9-1-1 callers; people with chronic diseases; or elderly or disabled individuals trying to live independently. Our innovation is the “I” in MIH – integrated. Leveraging strong relationships, the Fire Department now has more options to help a patient than a trip to the ER. Teaming up with Health Partnership Clinic, the MIH team can provide direct care, schedule same-day appointments and plan for chronic disease follow-up care. With shared access to health information, the team coordinates access to the right care at the right time – even helping with transportation and social support needs. For more information on the MIH program, visit www.OlatheKS.org/Files/Fire/OlatheFireMIH.pdf.
12