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This research is focused on effectively understanding, measuring, and modeling the impact of Access to Care (AC) on Patient Safety (PS) through the creation of a model that evaluates their interdependence. Using statistical tools and a combination of variables that define patient access to healthcare and patient safety, a Patient Access and Safety (PACSA) index is developed. The input variables used to support this research are Patient Access Factors (PAF) (Age, Insurance Type, Visit Type, List Price, and Days To an Appointment) and Patient Safety Factors (PSF) (Severity of Diagnosis, Race, and Gender). The calculated Patient Access and Safety (PACSA) index provides information to both providers and patients about the impact of access and safety on treatment outcomes. This research also describes popular access to care methodologies, quality tools and process improvement techniques, including Six Sigma. The indices developed can offer benefits to health care organizations, healthcare executives, patients, physicians, and government entities by providing a versatile tool to help improve access to health care and patient safety.

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Michelle Taveras Ponce, Ph.D. received her doctorate degree from the University of Miami. She has been in the healthcare industry for over a decade and is currently an Associate Administrator at the University of Southern California, Keck Medical Center. Her passion is to improve the health care experience for patients and communities.

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