Indiana hospital systems collaborate on health needs survey

Several of Indiana’s hospital systems are collaborating on a survey to determine the main issues affecting Hoosiers’ health and well-being.

Eleven hospital systems are mailing the surveys this month to more than 80,000 randomly selected residences in 39 counties. Public service announcements about the survey will air in those areas.

Officials say it takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete the survey’s questions about health care access, social services and aspects of health care that need improvement.

Such surveys are conducted every three years, as directed by the federal government.

The survey data will help hospitals and other health care entities determine where resources and services are needed most. They’ll also use the findings to craft state and local health programs to address opioid abuse, infant mortality and tobacco addiction.