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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Tribal communities

Few Patients Received High Amounts of Opioids from IHS-Run Pharmacies
Presents an evaluation of the opioid prescribing practices of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Bases analysis on IHS opioid prescribing data, discusses the role of electronic health records (EHRs) in monitoring opioid prescriptions, and makes recommendations to improve monitoring.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Incidence of Adverse Events in Indian Health Service Hospitals
Explores the occurrence of harm events in Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals. Discusses the rates of adverse harm events, or those leading to prolonged or permanent patient harm, and temporary harm events. Breaks down data by hospital size and patient age and reason for admission. Makes recommendations regarding quality control and oversight.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Instances of IHS Labor and Delivery Care Not Following National Clinical Guidelines or Best Practices
Evaluates the labor and delivery practices of Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals and highlights instances when they deviate from national clinical guidelines. Discusses the negative patient outcomes from deviating from national guidelines and makes recommendations regarding site visits and training.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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Indian Health Service: Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Provider Misconduct and Substandard Performance
Evaluates Indian Health Service (IHS) oversight of policies related to provider misconduct and substandard performance. Provides recommendations for the director to IHS to implement to address inconsistencies in oversight across IHS areas and facilities.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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COVID-19 Mortality Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons — 14 States, January–June 2020
Reports on age-adjusted COVID-19-associated mortality for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White populations, based on data from 14 states. Includes data by sex and by age group.
Author(s): Jessica Arrazola, Matthew M. Masiello, Sujata Joshi, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(49), 1853-1856
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Indian Health 101: Fulfilling a Promise
Presents an overview of the Indian Health Service (IHS) including the legislative history and financial support for the development of IHS. Discusses health disparities and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 experienced by American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Author(s): Christopher D. Chavis
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Indian Health Board
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Models of Tribal Promising Practices: Tribal Opioid Overdose Prevention Care Coordination and Data Systems
Presents models of tribal care coordination promising practices that address opioid use disorder (OUD) in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Discusses barriers to treatment and the need for culturally competent healthcare for AI/AN persons with OUD.
Author(s): Maya Magarati, Raquel Aviles, Christina E. Oré, et al.
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Seven Directions - A Center for Indigenous Public Health
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Hearing Norton Sound: Community Involvement in the Design of a Mixed Methods Community Randomized Trial in 15 Alaska Native Communities
Describes a community-based research project examining a telemedicine cellphone-based screening process to improve early detection and treatment of childhood hearing loss in rural Alaska. Community stakeholders assisted in shaping the research question, measurable outcomes, and project procedures. Serves as a model for community-based research in rural communities.
Author(s): Samantha Kleindienst Robler, S. Meade Inglis, Joseph J. Gallo, et al.
Citation: Research Involvement and Engagement, 6(67)
Date: 11/2020
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Limited Access to Health Data on American Indian and Alaska Natives Impedes Population Health Insights
Presents a study on the lack of data on the health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Evaluates 8 different sets of population health data for AI/AN-specific data. Features an infographic outlining the findings.
Additional links: Infographic
Author(s): Tara L. Becker, Susan H. Babey, Riti Shimkhada, et al.
Date: 11/2020
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Indian Health Service COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Plan
Highlights the Indian Health Service's plan for distributing the COVID-19 vaccination in Indian Country when it becomes available. Discusses the administration, distribution, and prioritization of the vaccine and features planning scenarios and facility planning resources.
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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