The intention of my June hfm business intelligence (BI) column* was to gauge how well the industry has standardized definitions by conducting an informal survey of leading providers, consultants, and vendors. It was refreshing that so many respondents were eager to participate, and they showed care for wanting to improve the industry. After reviewing a wonderful broad range of great responses, one striking point stood out: The healthcare industry has not clearly defined Population Health. Lacking a uniform definition makes it difficult to define when healthcare has succeeded, to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring progress, to determine which solutions lead to that success, and most important to educate the population on what initiatives and goals are being offered to help them. After performing the industry survey, I thought about one important step healthcare leaders have not done - ask the consumer, those individuals who make up the population - what is the public’s understanding or desire for Population Health. With this in mind, I wanted to conduct a survey of 100 non-healthcare people across the country, of various ages, a range of industries, and regardless of political affiliation. Each person was asked:
Many people looked confused upon being asked those questions and stated they have never heard the term before, while others provided an immediate description. Although the survey showed the lack of any definitive definition, and verified the general lack of understanding of the concept, it showed how much the public wanted to talk about Population Health, with several people engaging me in conversation to find out what the industry is doing and asking, “What is the actual definition?” *https://www.hfma.org/BIgoals/ Survey ResultsOverall Breakout by Age, Gender, Industry & Definition Grouping Have you heard the term Population Health before? Yes/No Have you heard the term Population Health before? = Yes What is your understanding of the definition? The majority of responses were vague, generic definitions; the following are non-generic definitions provided according to industry.
In the hfm article, I proposed that the industry standard definition needs to include “a partnership with the community of health seeking persons” including “putting data into the hands of patients and encouraging them to share accountability for health outcomes by choosing healthy lifestyles, following health regimens, and seeking health education.” As the public survey shows, we in the industry need to ascertain their understanding, and have a collaborative relationship for population health management with a clear definition and public education regarding solution offerings. Have you heard the term Population Health before? = No What would be your understanding of a definition? It was refreshing to come across so many in the public who have the desire for health care discussions and want to understand what is transpiring with the changing environment. It was additionally refreshing to see how many want the right information to make knowledgeable decisions. As a general finding, respondents between the ages of: 16-17 Wanted to convey input. 18-20 Had general apathy regarding the topic and generic input without additional inquiry. 30-40 Showed the highest desire to participate and have conversation regarding – the largest group with children and facing older parents with increased health concerns. 50-60 Wished to participate with continued conversation regarding what is happening in the industry with more defined ideas of what the term means. 70-90 Were an active and health conscious group being very productive in their communities and had a desire to learn about the topic. Summary
It is time to go back to a care for healing, or as the quote in the movie People Will Talk, "I heal sick people" environment again, not with a general population, socialized medicine approach, but an individual focus once more for sustaining health. Addendum: all answers by age groupings
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November 2024
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