The MT IHC is different from other indices in two main ways 1) it presents data at a hospital level (versus based solely on geography) and 2) it includes domains that were developed in consultation with a state-wide advisory group that consider the specific needs of rural and frontier communities.

Each hospital in the state has a score based on where its patients reside. First, we create hospital service areas based on discharge data that show patients’ zip codes. Second, we overlay data from sources like the American Communities Survey that quantify socio-economic and healthcare-related needs. We then integrate those two data sources to create a hospital score that is weighted based on where its patients reside.

The IHC also includes domains and metrics that better reflect the concerns and interests of rural and frontier communities, compared to other indices. For example, the IHC includes domains that describe internet connectivity and provider availability because members of the advisory group emphasized the importance of these factors in communities across the state.

Hospital service areas are calculated using discharge data available through the Montana Hospital Association. The health and socio-economic status domains include metrics from data sources such as the CDC’s Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates, Health Resources and Services Administration Area Health Resource File, hospital encounter data available through the Montana Hospital Association, and the American Community Survey. Detailed information about the metrics and associated data sources is available in the user guide.

MT IHC data complements SDOH screening efforts. The IHC offers an area-level perspective across numerous domains of socio-economic status and healthcare-related factors. You can quickly see which domains have relatively higher levels of need as well as which zip codes have relatively higher levels of need. This kind of information supports planning for programs, investments or new partnerships to address these SDOH factors proactively.

Non-healthcare factors heavily influence health outcomes. Without addressing these underlying needs, we won’t be successful in meeting our goals to improve the overall health of our communities. Taking action to address social drivers of health will require healthcare systems, community-based organizations, governments, businesses and community members to reimagine the ways they interact with and invest in their community. Instead of thinking “that’s not our role,” the IHC prompts us to brainstorm new ways to build partnerships to address persistent social and economic needs.

Begin by bringing partners together. Hospitals don’t have to be the “solutioner”; the role of “convener” may be equally or more important. Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges you wish to solve by talking with patients, family members and community members who experience these challenges. Ttogether you can co-design solutions that address the real needs.

Email Chloe Williams (chloe.williams@mtha.org) for a copy of your organization’s data or to learn more about available resources.