Community Health Access Program (CHAP)
Unlike any other organization, Christian Hospital is coordinating efforts of both EMS and the Emergency Department to re-navigate non-emergent patients to receive care in a more appropriate setting. Christian Hospital has also committed to developing a partnership with other organizations and resources in the community to improve the lives of our patients.
CHAP was developed after a team of Christian Hospital employees convened with the purpose of improving the health and wellness of citizens served by Christian Hospital. An analysis of data found that 48 percent of all Emergency Department visits and 40 percent of all EMS visits were deemed non-emergent.
In partnership with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), Christian Hospital leaders were committed to improving the individual patient experience of care, improving the health of populations and reducing the per-capita costs of care, and invested in the program.
With CHAP, advanced practice paramedics identify people who are over utilizing emergency medical services for non-emergencies (more than three-to-five times a month). Then, when a known high utilizer calls 911 or comes to the ED, CHAP resource coordinators can assess and connect the individual with the help they need.
“Education is a big part of what we’re doing. It’s been a real win-win. Our paramedics are more available for true emergencies, and we’re helping create a healthier community.” Shannon Watson, Community Health Supervisor for Christian Hospital EMS.
The success of the program has reduced emergency department crowding, cut down on over-utilization of ambulance and paramedics, and most importantly, improved the quality of life for thousands of residents in the community.
Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare, members of BJC HealthCare, provide world-class medical care to the communities of North County, Greater St. Louis County and Southern Illinois.