Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1141789
32 Executive Briefing Data aggregation and connectivity The need for comprehensive connectivity may seem obvious — of course organizations need to ensure they can "talk" to one another to get the best, most robust picture of a patient's health information. But a strong population health strategy also needs to offer a streamlined way to enable several organizations to harmonize all the relevant data and put it in clinicians' hands at the point of care. In doing so, the most up-to-date and relevant patient data can be used to inform the treatment and care plan. While this is only one piece, it serves as a foundation for an entire population health strategy. Analytics Having the most complete view of patients' health records is critical for providing the most detailed care, but understanding the data — disease trends, gaps in care — is what drives population health management. Turning patient data into information promotes a deeper understanding of how to treat entire populations. With an analytics solution, organizations can look past the data and react to the information, which is especially useful to ensure that what we know works to maintain and improve health is done. Analytics can also be a key component of the clinical decision-making process. As we look at population health management, analytics layered with data aggregation and connectivity can be thought of as the deciphering force behind all the data that flows throughout any organization. Care coordination Building a population health strategy includes focusing on how organizations can effectively collaborate, communicate and support a smooth journey for every patient — no matter where their care takes them. When organizations streamline care coordination, they can help reduce readmission rates and appropriately control utilization. Care coordination is also the part of population health that significantly improves the patient experience. Patient engagement As patients continue to embrace technology in their lives, from online shopping to banking, it's important to embrace the fact that patients are consumers. We, as an industry, need to find ways to reach them where they are most: On their mobile devices. As the fee-for-value payment model takes hold and reshapes how providers deliver care, it is increasingly important to care for patients beyond the walls of the hospital and physician offices. That means going beyond the standard patient portal. Patient portals are now enabling engagement and communication between the patient and provider. A comprehensive platform can help providers care for an entire patient population with mobile and telehealth tools that engage and promote wellness at the appropriate time and place. This not only improves outcomes for patients, it creates a strong return on investment for your organization. What's next Caring for and being reimbursed based on the care outcomes of an entire population is a daunting reality, but one that all healthcare organizations must plan to thrive in. Putting a strategy into practice that pays close attention to each of the major components will help manage disease, understand health trends, streamline coordination across the continuum, and enable patients to take a more active role in their health and wellness. Organizations that act on these principles now will undoubtedly see a more brighter future as the industry continues to evolve. With the right health IT partner, the challenges of devising a strong population health strategy can be more easily addressed. It's time to start. And if you already have, it's time to keep going. n Learn more about how Allscripts can help you change what's possible in population health at www.allscripts.com/population-health Allscripts is a global leader in healthcare technology that connects communities for smarter care. Built on an open platform, its EHR, financial management, population health and precision medicine solutions drive innovation in workflows, care delivery and patient behavior. "When devising a population health strategy, looking at how your organization addresses each of population health's four components — data aggregation and connectivity, analytics, care coordination and patient engagement — is a good place to start." — Dr. Michael Blackman, Medical Director, Population Health and Analytics, Allscripts