Massachusetts MIH Dashboard

What is Mobile Integrated Healthcare?

Mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) is a healthcare delivery model that brings medical services outside of traditional healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. It involves a team-based approach where healthcare professionals, such as paramedics, nurses, and physicians, provide care in various locations such as homes, community centers, workplaces, and even during events or emergencies. The goal is to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone, especially those who may have difficulty getting to a doctor or hospital.

The key features of mobile integrated healthcare include:

Care Coordination and Continuity

MIH providers prioritize seamless transitions between care settings. They coordinate with primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and community resources to ensure continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.

Patient-Centered Care

MIH focuses on meeting patients where they are, whether it's at home, work, or in the community. This approach emphasizes convenience for patients and aims to improve health outcomes by addressing barriers to accessing healthcare.

Team-Based Approach

MIH typically involves interdisciplinary teams that may include paramedics, nurses, physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. These teams collaborate closely to provide holistic care that considers both medical and social determinants of health.

Technology and Telehealth

MIH may incorporate telehealth and digital health tools to enhance communication, monitor patient health remotely, and facilitate virtual consultations.

These technologies support efficient care delivery and patient engagement, and help decrease barriers to accessing care especially in rural and underserved areas.

Preventive Care and Chronic Disease Management

MIH places a strong emphasis on preventive care and managing chronic diseases. Providers work proactively to educate patients, monitor their health status, and intervene early to prevent exacerbations and hospitalizations. MIH teams develop personalized care plans tailored to the specific needs of patients, addressing both medical and social determinants of health.

Looking for Mobile Integrated Health services outside of Massachusetts?

The following tips may help:

Start by reaching out to hospitals and healthcare systems in your area. They may have information about MIH programs or can direct you to organizations that provide these services.

Contact your local EMS providers or ambulance services. MIH programs often collaborate closely with EMS, so they may have information about MIH initiatives in your community.

Community health centers and clinics sometimes collaborate with MIH programs. Contact them to inquire about any mobile healthcare services they offer or are aware of in the area.

Local public health departments may have information about MIH programs or initiatives focused on improving community health and access to healthcare services.

Check online resources such as health department websites, community health directories, or nonprofit organizations dedicated to healthcare access. They may list MIH programs or provide contacts for further information.

Primary care providers, specialists, and physicians in your community may be aware of MIH programs or could refer you to relevant services.

Reach out to local government health departments or nonprofit organizations involved in healthcare delivery or community health initiatives. They may have information about MIH programs or initiatives.

Sometimes MIH programs participate in community events or health fairs to raise awareness. Attend such events to learn more about available healthcare services in your area.

By contacting these sources and asking specific questions about mobile integrated health programs, you can gather information about what services are available in your community and how to access them.

To determine if MIH is right for you, consider discussing your healthcare needs with your primary care provider or contacting local healthcare organizations that offer MIH services. They can provide more information, assess your eligibility, and help you decide if mobile integrated healthcare is a suitable option for improving your health and well-being.

Thank You!

Overall, MIH in Massachusetts exemplifies a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, technology integration, and community engagement. These initiatives aim to address healthcare disparities, improve health outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of residents throughout the Commonwealth. We thank the Massachusetts Office of EMS and Department of Public Health for recognizing the importance of Mobile Integrated Health in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts College of Emergency Physicians for their generous grant award which has supported the creation and ongoing maintenance of the Massachusetts MIH Dashboard.

Don’t see your Mobile Integrated Health program listed or have questions about the Massachusetts MIH Dashboard? Please reach out by email at MassachusettsMIHDashboard@gmail.com