wam013110.wmv

"Walk A Mile" - Navigating the Health Care System: The Patient & Provider Perspective, is a proposed video/documentary that investigates and informs about access to health care issues from the viewpoint of the patient and the provider. It will tell a 360-degree story of access to care in the region to build awareness of the barriers that both patients and providers face. The video seeks to educate the community about and improve their ability to navigate the local health care system. Both providers and clients will exchange information on what each can do to minimize barriers to care and improve the patient-provider partnership. Its aim is to break down misperceptions and encourage better communication from both perspectives. The story is told from a neutral perspective that provides a behind-the-scenes understanding of the health care system as told by local providers. Providers explain the strengths and weaknesses of the health care system and enlighten the community on the sometimes unseen barriers they face in providing care. They also offer practical recommendations for improving access to health care services. Community members facing one or more barriers to care relate their positive and negative real-life experiences to deepen provider understanding of the scope of the issues and the frustrations associated with accessing health care.