Current RQI Projects

In an effort to improve our DOCS model, we have begun a comprehensive review of our DOCS RedCap database, identifying a variety of relevant metrics for evaluation. Metrics include demographics, healthcare access (insurance status, access to primary care), and risk (Cardiovascular and Diabetes risk, risk for various cancers, etc.). These analyses can begin to teach us a lot about DOCS and our patient population: Are we reaching the patients we hope to reach in communities? What are the most pressing challenges our patients face? Are patients that return on a yearly basis improving or getting worse? These are just some of the questions we can begin to answer in an ongoing review of our DOCS RedCap data.

The “DOCS Medical Training Series” is a collaborative effort between the DOCS RQI staff and health fair station managers. This series of online training modules consists of videos and quizzes aimed at better preparing student volunteers in their roles at the annual health fairs. Additionally, the modules allow more time for hands-on practice during in-person training sessions and the opportunity for community partners to engage students and provide more context of the communities in which we host health fairs. 

The patient navigation program was created in 2016 as an RQI effort to improve the follow up of patients seen at DOCS health fairs who met certain high-risk criteria and needed urgent follow up health care. The patient navigation program now happens for all health fairs and exists as part of the Longitudinal Health Access Initiative. Patient navigators are trained in motivational interviewing, SMART goal setting, barriers to health care, health insurance, and navigating the health care system to help patients schedule and attend follow up appointments via periodic one-on-one phone calls.

DOCS volunteers administer health literacy surveys to our various patient populations at both clinics and health fairs. By understanding the health literacy of respective populations, we can identify gaps and provide educational material for patients to better understand their health. We hope that educating our patients will empower them to make the right decisions regarding their health. Health literacy serves as a meaningful touchpoint to understand the impact we have on our communities.