Focus groups spotlight concerns
Two focus groups held recently on behalf of Mercy Hospital resulted in lively conversation about the state of health care in the area, now and in the future.
Mercy used focus groups as one way to gather input from the community regarding their concerns about the discussions currently underway with Essentia Health about a possible affiliation. While not statistically valid like a comprehensive survey, the focus groups allowed for in-depth discussion from small groups of citizens from across the hospital district.
The sessions were conducted by Zenith Research Group, a Duluth company experienced in facilitating focus groups. Participants were selected at random by the research company, using selection criteria to obtain a representative cross-section of the community. Thirty-one citizens were selected, with 22 actually attending the sessions. Two groups were held: one with people with experience with Mercy; the other group, without.
The discussion guide used in the 90-minute sessions was developed by the research company and covered a wide range of topics. These ranged from general questions about the health care options and quality of care in the immediate area to the future of health care and the possible affiliation with Essentia Health.
According to the report compiled by the research company, "There were stark differences in how the two groups viewed Mercy Hospital care and medical care in general in the area. Not surprising was the fact that Mercy Hospital patients expressed satisfaction with the medical care available, and with Mercy Hospital in specific. Participants who were not Mercy Hospital patients were less positive about the quality of care available there."
The report also noted:
- There was consistency of opinion about the cost of medical care being the greatest challenge to rural communities.
- The most notable difference in responses from the two groups was how participants who had a relationship with Mercy Hospital were far more emotional about any proposed changes than those who did not have that relationship with Mercy Hospital…Participants who had not been patients at Mercy Hospital were more analytical in their views and seemed more comfortable with the idea of leaving the area for medical care.
- Participants in both groups expressed concerns over how a larger medical corporation would manage Mercy Hospital. Both groups expressed a belief that Moose Lake would suffer from a merger, as there was a belief that services might be cut, doctors might be moved to other facilities with a larger corporation and that a larger corporate owner would not have the best interest of Moose Lake residents, or Moose Lake community, at heart. Based on panel comments, Essentia Health Systems has established a negative reputation in the region for its size, continued growth and expansion, lack of compassionate care and employee relations.
The report also said both groups were skeptical that they have been given factual information regarding a possible affiliation between Mercy and any other medical group, hospital or corporation. Participants did not specify their sources of information.
"It’s clear from this report that the community is greatly invested in Mercy’s future," said Jason Douglas, CEO. "It’s also clear that there is a lot of misinformation and speculation circulating throughout the community about the discussions currently underway.
"While Mercy is committed to keeping its employees and the community informed as the affiliation talks continue, there is not a lot to report at this point—the process has been slow," Douglas explained. "The talks so far have focused on very broad, very high level exchanges of information. The operational details on how this affiliation would actually work have not been discussed yet. Once we start working on those details, there will be more information to share.
"I do want to reassure the community, however, that the Board of Directors and Mercy administrative team are committed to Mercy’s long-term future," he added. "We would not enter into any agreement that would not be a long-term benefit to the district we serve."
In response to questions and concerns, Mercy is planning to hold informational meetings for employees and the community in the future. These sessions will include information about health reform and the possible affiliation with Essentia Health. The meetings will include a question and answer session. Dates for the meetings will be announced once they are set.
Mercy will also continue to update the community through area newspapers and Mercy’s Lifeline community newsletter and website.
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