Advisor(s)
Allyson Hall
Committee Member(s)
Philip Cendoma
Robert Weech-Maldonado
Timothy Akers
School
School of Health Professions
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Health Professions
Date of Award
9-9-2024
Degree Name by School
Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) School of Health Professions
Abstract
This study examined the variations in quality-of-care measures and grant allocations for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in U.S. territories before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigated the impact of federal funding, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), on these centers to identify strategies to enhance their resilience. Key aspects included financial resources, health outcomes, and the need for integrated mental health services. This quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study used simple and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate quantitative secondary data representing FQHCs’ characteristics and performance. A total of 160 FQHCs were included, representing 78,845 patients (60% aged 18-64 years; 56% female) The study’s findings revealed a varied impact on quality measures for patients served by FQHCs receiving recommended care. There were statistically significant improvements in weight assessment and counseling for children and adolescents and blood pressure control for hypertensive patients in the post-COVID period. Additionally, the impact of grant funding on quality measures showed statistical significance in cervical cancer screening, tobacco use screening and cessation, blood pressure control in hypertensive patients, and HbA1c control in diabetic patients. Financial resources were found to play a critical role in certain health outcomes; however, the study emphasized that comprehensive strategies beyond funding, including early detection, prevention, and equitable access to healthcare services, are crucial for significant improvement. The research emphasizes the need for future exploration of the interplay between financial resources, healthcare infrastructure, and social determinants of health to develop effective interventions for reducing health disparities in U.S. territories. This study provides valuable insights for developing resilient healthcare strategies, highlighting targeted policy interventions and resource allocation to improve care quality and public health outcomes in underserved communities.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Cooper, Keyla, "Exploratory Review of Performance Metric Changes at Federally Qualified Health Centers in U.S. Territories Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). All ETDs from UAB. 7619.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7619
