2016 Technical Consulting Engagement
In early 2016, 4eath Consulting Group (4CG) was contracted by the American Lung Association (ALA) to provide Technical and Operational Consultation around the Tobacco Cessation Quitline service that was provided to the State of Illinois. The consultation was designed to identify and recommend gaps in existing technological and operational infrastructure to improve the reach, flexibility and growth of the Quitline Services.
4ealth Consulting Group began the relationship by conducting a half-day working session to review the goals, objectives, barriers and opinions of key leadership for the future of the ALA Quitline services. During this review period, 4CG analyzed the history and mission of the organization as well as the vision for future growth and success. It was during this meeting where the framework for a deeper dive into technology and operations would be focused.
Over the next three months, 4CG embarked on a full heuristic study of the ALA Quitline Case Management System, the inbound and outbound patient outreach functionality, the security and privacy of all patient identifiable information, as well as commercially available products that support and enhance the day-to-day operations of the ALA Quitline.
4CG spent most of the engagement focused on the needs of the Quitline to support enhanced technology with regards to the services it provided to its clients and patients. Through the process, 4CG offered up a variety of solutions to aid in the capture of patients and clients throughout the service area supported by ALA’s Quitline services. These solutions ranged from enhanced software offerings, new software acquisition, potential strategic partnerships, and a full IT evaluation that resulted in the recommendation and creation of over 10 new processes and procedures for the handling, security, retention of Personally Identifiable Health Information (PHI).
4CG divided the analyses provided into three (3) separate areas, each with their own deliverables: Quitline Assessment, Technical Assessment, and Security and Privacy Assessment. This distinction permitted the work to be specifically directed at these areas of ALA’s concern and be conducted in concert with one another.
The Quitline Assessment document(s) that were provided to the ALA by 4CG included a full review of the initial ½ day summit and evaluation, as well as an overview of market and industry drivers that impact the potential directions available to ALA concerning their operations. The analyses included a thorough evaluation of overall healthcare changes from fee-for-service to value-based care and the impact on supporting and preventative services like Quitlines can have as providers and health systems make the change to the new model of delivering and being compensated for care.
The Technical Assessment that was provided to ALA leveraged the internal requirements previously created by the ALA for the purposes of exploring available solutions for replacement or upgrade of their Case Management System used for Quitline operations. The resulting document included a full analysis of potential replacement options, improvement options, potential partnerships, as well as a full SWOT analysis of all options provided. 4CG included potential costs and timelines involved in all approaches as well.
The final analyses provided during the 4CG engagement was to perform a detailed evaluation of the Security and Privacy concerns that were raised during the initial conversations. The analyses that were created and delivered to the ALA highlighted the areas of applicable laws surrounding the controls around personally identifiable health information that should be maintained at the highest level. 4CG believes, that even though there may be opportunities to adhere to laws at the minimum necessary requirements, healthcare privacy and security is a concern with risks and issues that should compel all organizations to install reasonable efforts and safeguards. The eleven exhibits included in the assessment combine to create a full policy guide and training manual for ensuring full compliance and a stable foundation on which to expand their offerings and security measures to adjust to an ever-changing landscape and address the constantly evolving threats.
The results of this engagement were to set a stage for future advancement at ALA with regards to their infrastructure and processes related to the treatment of patients in their Quitline environment. To make the systems more available, scalable and secure as well as to provide a blueprint for expansion that would permit growth and success in the future.
“An organization like the American Lung Association is exactly what we look for in clients. Not only are they a pleasure to work with, an organization filled with hard-working and committed individuals, but their mission and values are inspiring to all healthcare-related organizations, ours included. We are honored to be partners with the ALA and look forward to supporting their organization and needs moving forward.” – Evan Frankel, Founder/CEO, 4ealth Consulting Group
“The consulting that 4CG provided for the ALA was both timely and important. Not only are they filled with seasoned and experienced professionals, but they approached our organization with the care and interest that we would expect from our own employees. They demonstrated the partnership strengths that one would ideally desire from any consultants and the work they provided will go a long way to assisting our organization meet and exceed our goals for the future.” – Neil Ballentine, VP Technology, American Lung Association
4CG wrapped up its engagement with ALA in November of 2016 with a review of their analysis and recommended next-steps. We believe 4CG effectively and efficiently delivered to ALA the consultative support they initially identified and have begun introductions into other potential areas worthy of exploration and partnership.