IU Indianapolis ECHO Center’s Post

We are at a pivotal moment where multiple sectors are more motivated than ever to address social drivers of health, eliminate healthcare disparities, and measurably improve the lives of the individuals they serve. · Substantial evidence exists tying unmet social needs to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs. 📊 · Quality measures such as preventive screenings, engagement with primary care and medication adherence can serve as proximal measures for the impact of addressing social needs. 💊 · As screening for social needs becomes more commonplace, it is imperative that organizations proactively consider the “so what” should a need be identified. ❓ Read more about the foundational first step in achieving quality care in a blog piece co-authored by Leigh Caswell and Toni Grinstead (Presbyterian Healthcare Services), Adrianna Nava (NCQA), Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo, PhD, MPH, Amanda Terry, PhD, MPH, MA, and Gillian Feldmeth (Unite Us): https://lnkd.in/gyNrJDZ3 #socialcare #sdoh #quality #screening #standardization 

Phase 1 of Papa was to develop a national network of a new kind of care and we have accomplished that. In 2023 we did over 1m in home visits in almost every state. We are now entering phase 2 of Papa. To leverage our national Pal network to help health plans and VBC organizations to achieve their most critical goals. I believe Papa may be the most engaging healthcare solution there is. With trust and real engagement we can move the needle on health outcomes and truly improve people’s lives. https://lnkd.in/dxfPKREp

A recent ABC News article outlined ongoing racial disparities in healthcare across the United States, underscoring the urgency of Premera Blue Cross’ focus to advance health equity.   We are deeply committed to this cause, focusing on community-driven solutions and systemic change to ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best health. Our health equity strategy is built on understanding community needs, enhancing data capabilities, and ensuring culturally competent care. We are on a journey, and there is much work to be done, but I am optimistic about the path forward.   Learn more about our efforts and join us in making a difference. https://lnkd.in/dqes27q8. #HealthEquity #PremeraSocialImpact #NationalMinorityHealthMonth

Health care availability is a critical factor that determines whether individuals can get the care they need when they need it. This concept goes beyond simply having access to the nearest health facility; it encompasses the availability of appropriate services, skilled providers, and necessary supplies and equipment. When gaps exist in health service availability, vulnerable populations—such as low-income individuals, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions—suffer the most. To address these disparities, ministries of health should ensure the provision of a comprehensive package of essential health services to all citizens. These services should encompass preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, delivered across five levels of health care: community health programs, primary health care facilities, first-level hospitals, tertiary hospitals, and specialized centers. Community health assessments may serve as an effective tool for evaluating the availability of health services within a community. This dynamic, ongoing process involves identifying community strengths and needs, prioritizing health issues collaboratively, and developing action plans aimed at improving overall health status and quality of life. By focusing on these aspects, we can work toward a more equitable health care system that truly meets the needs of all individuals, particularly those most at risk.

Introducing the Health Navigation Network! We are excited to announce the launch of our new health signposting business, designed to provide comprehensive support for patients and organizations navigating the NHS, social care, private health, and voluntary and charity services. In alignment with published ICB care strategies for 2024-2029, we recognised the synergy between our services and the objective to provide better access to health and care services and outcomes for all systems, communities, and patients. At the Health Navigation Network, we understand the complexities patients face when accessing health and care services. Our one-stop-shop approach simplifies these processes, offering personalised guidance and support to ensure patients receive the care they need efficiently. Our services include: 🔹 Health and Care Assessments: Thorough assessments to identify patient needs and appropriate interventions, including care planning for life, encouraging early identification of potential future needs, and coordinating care in advance to reduce delays. 🔹 Discharge Planning: Facilitating timely and well-coordinated hospital discharges to improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions. 🔹 Falls Prevention and Physiotherapy: Tailored support for patients prone to falls, along with general physiotherapy services to maintain optimal mobility and wellbeing. 🔹 Service Finder: A comprehensive search engine with details of all services within specific geographical boundaries, from Chiropodists to Care Homes to NHS services and beyond. We work alongside the respective ICBs and Care Providers to present data relevant to their specific communities and care systems. 🔹 Providing Advice and Guidance: Numerous fact sheets are available on our website, spanning financial support, health & care assessments, and other useful information. To view our approach and full capabilities, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eVRUwdZ6 We believe our offerings can play a significant role in supporting winter planning preparations, standardizing services for older people with frailty, and reducing hospital admissions due to falls. Additionally, our expertise aligns well with community care collaborative efforts, enhancing the overall care continuum. If you would be interested in the opportunity to discuss how the Health Navigation Network can complement your initiatives and contribute to improved patient care or as a patient, family member or carer who is struggling to navigate the complexity of the UK Health System. You can email us directly at: info@thehealthnavigationnetwork.co.uk #HealthNavigation #PatientCare #HealthcareSupport #CommunityCare #HealthAndWellbeing #CareServices #HealthGuidance #IntegratedCare

Organizations, including Health Care Transformation Task Force members, the National Partnership for Women & Families, the American Heart Association, and Families USA, released A Pro-Consumer Agenda to Achieve Meaningful Health System Transformation, which presents a blueprint to advance #ProConsumer policies that shift U.S. health care payment and delivery away from fee-for-service and toward the adoption of affordable, high-quality, and equitable #ValueBasedCare. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eCiGeJKD

Are the most impactful healthcare innovations anarchist? This is such a great post from Deborah Fenney on how core anarchist principles like self-organisation, mutual aid, co-operation and flat structures have shaped some powerful initiatives in healthcare over the years. As a bit of an anarchist myself (OK, more than a bit!), I obviously love this perspective. But you don’t need to be an anarchist to be inspired by the idea that people collectively shaping and delivering healthcare for themselves can be hugely empowering and effective. And, as Deborah points out, that doesn’t imply health professionals withdrawing support from those that need it. It simply means providing it in a different, more respectful and empowering way. As the blog says: “where many of us often feel like things happen outside of our control, perhaps anarchist ideas could help us to understand and maximise the power we do have to act, not as individual heroes, but together.” I think this is an idea that applies not just to those outside the healthcare system but also those working in it. There is way too much faith placed in the power of the individual technical expert and the senior manager and way too little in the efficacy of grassroots collaborative effort involving patients, families, public servants from non-health backgrounds, and communities. #nhs #healthcare #health #publicservices #localgov #anarchism Simon Parker Matthew Skinner Dominic Campbell Katie Kelly Amanda Askham Andy Knox Jessica Studdert https://lnkd.in/etC6bpdk

Health equity means ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. It's a birthright. As a dedicated psychiatrist and advisor to Emotivo Health, Jorge R. Petit, MD is passionate about reducing healthcare disparities and fostering a more holistic approach to healthcare. His article sheds light on innovative strategies and policies aimed at integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) / Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) into healthcare practice, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for vulnerable populations. He also discusses the potential of technology, like Emotivo Health, to assist in screening for social needs and making effective referrals. Read Dr. Petit's full article here and join the conversation on how we can create a more equitable healthcare system! #healthcare #equity #sdoh #socialdeterminantsofhealth #mentalhealth #innovation #healthcareforall

Check out this Forbes article on advancing health equity; delving into how social determinants like housing, nutrition, and education are crucial to health outcomes. This piece highlights innovative strategies and federal efforts aimed at integrating these social determinants into healthcare practices, fostering a more equitable and effective healthcare system. I also address the role of technology, workforce development, and community partnerships in transforming healthcare. Let me know your thoughts on how technology can address health related social needs / social determinants of health?

We need to start making the point that the financial designs are so bad where the public plans are concentrated, that only 4 types of basic health access will remain 1. Direct Primary Care 2. Concierge care 3. Primary care for those with better employers and employer based plans 4. Community Health Centers The death of other sources of primary care, mental health, women's health, basic surgical, and geriatrics is assured where the worst public plans are concentrated along with the worst employers and their worst employer based plans. I know everyone wants to get along at HHS, but the fact of the matter is that CMS votes 1.4 trillion a year against what basic health access requires. We cannot have quality affordable care for 40% without a change in the designs. We cannot have most and best delivery team members, a requirement for the most complex populations, without a change in the designs.