An Opportunity Map for Societal Investment in Health

Abstract

MEDICAL CARE REFORM IS A CRITICAL PIECE IN achieving a healthy society but needs to be complemented by changes in community programs and policies. While the body of evidence-based clinical and population interventions is increasing, the challenge is to identify and implement those interventions that provide the greatest health benefits and value. A critical first step is to construct a sound, common framework for identifying and organizing the universe of evidence-based interventions. That framework can then be used to assess society’s investments in health. In this Commentary, we describe how 3 concepts—the ecologic model, the life course perspective, and evidence-based intervention strategies—contribute to a common goal and how they need to be viewed as integrated and complementary. A brief synopsis of each concept is provided, followed by a description of its fit within a broader conceptual framework.