Community-Focused Health Care For The Seriously Ill.

Jessica Bylander

doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00111

Abstract

Experts offer a prescription for a health system that is centered on the community rather than traditional health care institutions.

Highlights

BY JESSICA BYLANDERThe population of Americans with serious illness is large and growing. An estimated 60 percent of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 42 percent have several,[1] and an estimated forty million people are limited in their usual activities as a result of one or more serious health conditions.[2]
Experts offer a prescription for a health system that is centered on the community rather than traditional health care institutions
An estimated 60 percent of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 42 percent have several,[1] and an estimated forty million people are limited in their usual activities as a result of one or more serious health conditions.[2]

Summary

BY JESSICA BYLANDER

The population of Americans with serious illness is large and growing. An estimated 60 percent of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 42 percent have several,[1] and an estimated forty million people are limited in their usual activities as a result of one or more serious health conditions.[2]. Building a workforce that can meet this population’s needs will require more than When asked about their priorities, patients with serious illness say they want to remain independent and at home and want relief from distress. A community-focused health ecosystem would shift resources away from traditional health care systems and into communities and community-based care. Such an ecosystem would prioritize support for families, community health workers, and direct care workers as the first line of care, Meier says. This community workforce would be supported by registered nurses and social workers in smaller numbers, and by even fewer advanced practice providers and physicians. Louis–based Ascension, announced that it would close its acute care services and focus on services to support community needs, such as home care and community-based behavioral health care.[3]

Hea lt h A f fai r s

Training The Community Workforce

Findings

Attracting More Workers