CMSPULSE

Situation

The CMS Portal for Understanding, Learning, Sharing and Educating (CMSPULSE) Web site's overarching goal is to improve the health and quality of care of minority Medicare populations. CMSPULSE.org was created in 2009 to facilitate the sharing of information as related to health disparity programs between CMS' Office of Clinical Standards and Quality and its 53 Quality Improvement Organizations. Additional target audiences include Federal and non-Federal partners, providers, Medicare beneficiaries, and their caregivers. Since its inception, the portal has grown to include a broad overview of health disparities programs throughout CMS. The major challenge that faces the CMSPULSE.org Web site was that the content needed to reflect the various audiences' interests while the information hierarchy remained logical.

Task

How do you, then, keep the various audiences interested and engaged with the Web site over a prolonged period of time?

Action

After conducting a comprehensive review, HCDI redesigned the website to have more implicit sections or tabs that streamline the information to help the target audience navigate the content. HCDI reorganized the tabs, thereby directing viewers to specific sections of interest for easy access (all major topics can be found immediately on the home page). Information targeting healthcare providers is separate from the general public and other audiences. Content intended for the general public is simplified to accommodate all reading and educational levels. Other added functions include:

  • Added search functionality, a tool to help reduce time spent on locating information
  • Streamlined content and enlarged font size for easy reading
  • Updated content from the QIOs
  • YouTube and additional social media functionality tools
  • Relevant content and news updates

Result

The newly redesigned CMSPULSE.org Web site was launched in April 2011. HCDI continues to make constant updates with relevant content and use creative marketing practices to promote the site. The new face of the CMSPULSE.org Web site has been well received by many audiences, with HCDI tracking Google Analytics reports for increased site visits and usage. Contact us to learn more about the specifics of the Web site's redesign. Check out www.cmspulse.org to learn more about CMS and its health disparity projects.