The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system, and its effects are likely to be felt for years to come.
One area that is expected to be affected is population health management (PHM). PHM is an approach that aims to improve the health outcomes of a defined population through a range of interventions, including risk stratification, care management, and patient engagement.
In this article, we will discuss how Covid-19 is likely to impact PHM and the strategies that healthcare organizations can adopt to address these challenges.
Impact of Covid-19 on PHM
Increased demand for PHM services: The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of PHM in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Healthcare organizations will need to increase their capacity to provide PHM services to meet the growing demand from patients.
Changes in patient behavior: The pandemic has disrupted the healthcare system, causing patients to delay or avoid routine care. This can lead to the exacerbation of chronic conditions, resulting in a higher demand for PHM services.
Shift towards telehealth: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth, which has emerged as an important tool for managing chronic conditions during the pandemic. Healthcare organizations will need to develop strategies for integrating telehealth into their PHM programs to ensure continuity of care.
Impact on vulnerable populations: The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Healthcare organizations will need to develop targeted PHM programs for these populations to ensure that they receive the care they need.
Strategies for Addressing PHM Challenges
Build capacity for PHM services: Healthcare organizations will need to invest in building their capacity to provide PHM services, including recruiting and training staff, developing care management protocols, and leveraging technology to support PHM.
Redesign care delivery models: The pandemic has highlighted the need for healthcare organizations to adopt flexible care delivery models that can adapt to changing patient needs. This may involve shifting towards virtual care models, such as telehealth, and developing new care coordination models that leverage technology and data to support PHM.
Focus on patient engagement: Patient engagement is a critical component of PHM, and healthcare organizations will need to develop strategies for engaging patients in their care, including leveraging digital tools and other patient-centered approaches.
Address health disparities: The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted existing health disparities, and healthcare organizations will need to develop targeted PHM programs for vulnerable populations to ensure that they receive the care they need.