reply to this discussion:
Many academics have described population health as the final health outcomes of a group of people, including how those results are distributed within the group (Lal, 2020). On the other hand, the healthcare delivery system organizes people, institutions, and other resources to provide healthcare services for disease prevention and health promotion. Healthcare delivery systems aim to deliver high-quality, affordable care at the proper time and place. Focusing on population health through the collaboration of various relevant stakeholders can significantly help prevent diseases, such as chronic diseases and promote health by addressing social determinant risk factors (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019).
There are various ways to integrate a focus on population health and change the healthcare delivery system. Multidisciplinary functionality is one essential way that can be applied to transform healthcare delivery. Various healthcare professionals, institutions, and community organizations can yield positive results in promoting optimal health in the population’s continued care (Lal, 2020). For example, engaging schools and non-private organizations in the community can help to address social determinants of health and promote health equity.
Accurate data collection using advanced technology is vital in altering the healthcare delivery system. Healthcare systems can use data and technology to identify and solve population health problems. For instance, predictive analytics can assist healthcare professionals in intervening before health problems get worse, and electronic health records can assist in identifying patient populations at risk for chronic diseases (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019). Additionally, the electronic record can track a patient’s development and offer the right intervention to improve a patient’s outcomes.
Patient engagement is another essential factor where the focus of population health application can transform the health care delivery system. A patient can be engaged in various ways, including integrating care coordinators and community health workers (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019). Including care coordinators and community health workers in the healthcare delivery systems helps in assisting in closing the gap between the community’s resources and the healthcare system (Lal, 2020). To address social determinants of health and enhance health outcomes, persevere in seeking education, assistance, and resources. Also, policymakers can discover and practice prevention measures like vaccines, health screenings, and lifestyle interventions through patient participation to identify and minimize health risks before they develop into chronic illnesses (Lal, 2020). Healthcare systems can encourage and reward preventive practices to save healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. Overly, a population health focus can alter how healthcare is provided, including using technology and data, collaborating with patients, addressing social determinants of health, and emphasizing health equity.