Data to Action: Using a Data Driven Approach to Improve Health Outcomes for People with Disabilities in Alaska

BACKGROUND: According to 2013 BRFSS data, 18% of Alaskan adults reported a disability. Adults with disabilities are less likely to receive preventive health and dental screens, engage in regular physical activity, or receive health information in a way that is helpful to them and are more likely to smoke, be obese and have chronic health conditions when compared with adults without disabilities. This presentation will describe how the Alaska Health and Disabilities program used a data driven approach in the development of the Alaska state plan to address underlying factors that contribute to health disparities experienced by people with disabilities.

METHODS: The State of Alaska Health and Disabilities program engaged partners at the University of Alaska-Anchorage’s Center for Human Development to complete a needs assessment. Health care providers, agency and support staff, and people with disabilities across the state were surveyed to understand the health needs of people with disabilities, and types of training needed to address and improve health outcomes. A root cause analysis was conducted to better understand the health disparities of people with disabilities and barriers encountered by people with disabilities when accessing health services and programs.

RESULTS: Barriers identified were lack of training among health care providers and education providers (e.g., physical education instructors) to work with individuals with specific disability types; physical barriers such as inaccessible building environments and medical equipment; and inaccessible medical forms (e.g., too small font or too difficult to understand). Health care providers showed recognition and an interest in gaining information and training to better care for people with disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance data along with the results of the needs assessment were used to develop the Alaska state plan to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among people with disabilities. The plan’s recommendations are being implemented in focus areas such as nutrition and physical activity, preventive screening, sexual health and tobacco use. For example, training of teachers on adaptable physical education is now underway to ensure that children and adolescents develop physical activity skills and participate in physical education in a meaningful way. Using an integrated data driven approach can help states identify and address the health needs of adults with disabilities and support optimal health across the lifespan.