Clara Barton Medical Center announces its role as a founding member of the Kansas High Value Network (KS-HVN), a collaboration of seven independent rural hospitals working to strengthen health care in rural communities across Kansas.

The Kansas High Value Network was created to help rural hospitals share knowledge, improve quality, and explore innovative ways to enhance patient care while continuing to serve the unique needs of their individual communities. Together, the network serves approximately 190,000 patients across the state and is focused on supporting the long-term strength and sustainability of rural health care.

“Rural health care is strongest when rural hospitals can work together,” said Jay Tusten, CEO at Clara Barton Medical Center. “As a founding member of the Kansas High Value Network, we have the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations that share our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, while remaining independent. This partnership allows us to learn from one another, share best practices, and continue enhancing the care we provide close to home while remaining focused on the needs of the communities we serve.”

Through the network, participating hospitals will collaborate on quality improvement initiatives, care coordination, operational best practices, and opportunities to reduce costs through shared resources. Providers from member hospitals will also have opportunities to connect with peers across the state, sharing expertise and discussing solutions to the unique challenges facing rural health care.

A key component of the network is a clinically integrated network (CIN) that brings providers together to focus on quality outcomes, care coordination, and the sharing of best practices. Each member hospital will have representation on the CIN’s Clinical Integration Committee, which will help guide quality initiatives, support collaboration among providers, and identify opportunities to improve patient care across the network.

In addition to clinical collaboration, hospital leaders within the Kansas High Value Network will work together to share ideas, discuss common challenges, and explore innovative solutions that support both patients and health-care providers.

Clara Barton Medical Center joins fellow rural hospitals in this effort and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the patients, families, and communities they serve throughout central Kansas.