Introducing Design Thinking to Enhance Population Health Management

Abstract

opulation health management-an approach that seeks to improve the health of a population through data analysis, primary care leadership, patient engagement, and community integration-is not a new concept, but one that has attracted renewed interest in the healthcare industry as a way to respond to value-based purchasing and performance measurement by public and private payers. Healthcare providers have historically been viewed as key influencers of quality and cost, and therefore they have been the target of any number of programs that incentivize them to change their structures, processes, and behaviors. Although markets are proceeding at different speeds, healthcare providers report continued trends toward value-based payment systems that transfer accountability for health and cost outcomes from the payer to the provider. 1 In response, many of them are adopting a population health management strategy to enable them to perform better under these new payment systems. A national survey of healthcare leaders by Numerof and Associates indicated that 95% of healthcare leaders view population health as important to improve control of clinical costs, quality, and outcomes, and 74% report that they are building out the required infrastructure. 1 Yet, most payment systems unfolding in the United States do not adequately recognize and address the effects of the social determinants of health on overall healthcare spending. 2 Nor do they sufficiently acknowledge or embrace the role of 1