Transforming primary care practices in a Hawai'i Island clinic: obtaining patient perceptions on patient centered medical home.

Health care access is a significant problem for residents of Hawai'i Island who are experiencing a healthcare provider shortage crisis. Many residents must travel far for routine medical care, and in some cases to other islands. Hamakua Health Center, Inc., which operates from two clinical sites (Honokaa and Kapaau), is transitioning towards a Patient-Centered Medical Home care model. Through focus groups, a qualitative study was completed to obtain patient perceptions on Patient-Centered Medical Home. The Hamakua and Kohala Family Health Center staff were asked to recommend a list of patients from their respective health centers for focus group participation. In this sample (N=18), 67% of participants were female of various ethnicities. The participants' mean age was 62.2 (SD =14.3) years. Questions asked by the moderator were based on the American College of Providers' Patient-Centered Medical Home Assessment Tool. The three universal themes generated by the focus groups included quality care, provider and health services accessibility, and communication and coordination. Health information technology was a topic that was explored in the focus groups, and encompasses all three themes. Communication is regarded as a key to receiving quality care. Participants suggested having a rotation of specialists flown-in regularly from O'ahu to improve care quality. Technology is appreciated as it can streamline the information exchange process, and increase the patient's access to health services. There is unanimous concern regarding confidentiality and privacy. It is imperative that the health centers keep patients informed as they make their transition.